Banksia integrifolia, commonly known as coast banksia, is a species of tree that grows along the eastern coast of Australia. A member of the genus Banksia in the family Proteaceae, it was one of the first banksias to be described and is one of the most widespread. Another common name, honeysuckle banksia, alludes to the resemblance of its flowers to those of the unrelated genus Lonicera. "Banksia" was named after Sir Joseph Banks, while "integrifolia" comes from Latin and means "entire-leaved".
Soil Types: Tolerates Acid Soil, Alkaline Soils, Clay Soils, Sandy Soils, Rocky soils
Growth: Fast growth rate
Maintenance: Banksia Integrofolia is a low-maintenance garden tree (very hardy)
Tree type: Evergreen Shrub
Trees/ Plants Suitable as: Coastal hedging plant, Feature Tree, Shrub
Origin: Australian Native
Environment/ Uses: Coastal Positions/ Coastal Sites, Good for erosion control
Characteristics: Leathery leaves, cone-shaped flowers that range in color from lemon yellow to red
Characteristics of a Banksia Integrifolia
Banksia Integrifolia have smooth grey bark, which is shed in long strips, revealing the orange or yellow young bark underneath. The new growth is covered in a fine down of short hairs. The leaves are dark green and glossy on top, paler beneath, and generally linear in shape with entire margins. They grow 10–25 cm long and 1–3 cm wide. The tips are pointed and the bases tapered. Juvenile leaves may be more oval in shape. From late spring to early summer it bears large golden yellow flower spikes up to 20 cm wide containing hundreds or thousands of small five-horned flowers; these are followed by woody cones containing numerous small seeds embedded in tan-colored fibrous flesh. All parts of the plant contain toxins that cause nausea if ingested.
Are Banksia Roots Invasive?
One of the most common questions we get about banksia integrifolia is whether or not the roots are invasive. The short answer is no, banksia roots are not known to be invasive. In fact, they're actually quite shallow, so you don't need to worry about them damaging your foundation or pipes.
When Does Banksia Flower?
Banksia flowers typically bloom in late winter or early spring. The exact time will vary depending on your location, but you can expect to see flowers anywhere from August to November.
Will Banksia Grow in Shade?
Banksias are adaptable plants and can tolerate most soil types, including heavy clay and sandy soils. They also prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. So if you have a spot in your garden that gets a little bit of afternoon shade, banksia integrifolia would be a good choice.
How tall do Banksia Integrifolia grow?
Coast banksias typically grow as gnarled trees up to 25 meters tall, but can occasionally reach 35 metres.
How Fast Does Banksia Integrifolia Grow?
Banksias are slow-growing plants, typically adding only 6-12 inches per year. However, they can grow faster in ideal conditions (i.e. ample water and nutrients).
Cultivation and uses
Despite its lethal nature if ingested, B. integrifolia has been widely planted outside its natural range as an ornamental tree or shrub for garden landscaping because of its showy flower spikes and attractive foliage. Its tolerance to poor soils, salt spray, and heavy pruning makes it useful for coastal gardens or as a windbreak; it will also tolerate most soil types so long as they are not waterlogged or extremely dry.
It prefers a sunny position but will tolerate some shade; however, flower production decreases under shaded conditions. It propagates readily from seed pods that form on the trunk below old flower spikes; these eventually open to release their winged seeds which are distributed by wind currents away from the parent plant's trunk where they eventually fall to ground level upon germination.
Buy Banksia Integrifolia
BANKSIA INTEGRIFOLIA 100L - COASTAL BANKSIA
BANKSIA INTEGRIFOLIA 35AP - COASTAL BANKSIA
The Coast Banksia is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that is perfect for Australian gardens. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate extended dry periods once established. If you are thinking of adding a Banksia integrifolia to your garden, make sure you have enough space as it can grow quite large. The Coast Banksia makes a great addition to any garden!