- Mature height
- 3m to 6m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 2m to 5m
Banksia ericifolia, the Heath-leaved Banksia, is a dense upright Australian native shrub in the family Proteaceae. Fine needle-like foliage gives it a soft heath-like texture, and from autumn into winter it carries thick cylindrical flower spikes in orange to red, held upright through the outer canopy. Old woody cones stay on the plant afterwards.
It grows 2 to 6 metres tall and 2 to 5 metres wide, at roughly 30 to 50 centimetres a year. Full sun, sandy or gravelly soil and free drainage suit it best, and it tolerates poor low-nutrient ground where other shrubs fail. Established plants take light to moderate frost, coastal exposure and extended dry weather.
It is used for screening at 1 to 1.5 metres apart, windbreaks, bush regeneration, rural property planting and habitat gardens. Winter flowering makes it valuable to honeyeaters at a lean time of year. For projects that need native structure and bird habitat with almost no ongoing watering, it is a reliable specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Heath-leaved Banksia
What is Banksia ericifolia?
Banksia ericifolia is an Australian native shrub in the family Proteaceae, found naturally on the sandy heaths of coastal New South Wales. It is called the Heath-leaved Banksia because its short fine leaves resemble those of a heath. Dense growth and large cylindrical flower spikes in orange to red are its defining features.
How big does Heath-leaved Banksia grow?
It reaches 2 to 6 metres tall and 2 to 5 metres wide depending on soil, exposure and how often it is pruned. Coastal plants in sandy soil tend to stay lower and denser, while sheltered garden plants run taller. Growth is about 30 to 50 centimetres a year once established.
When does Banksia ericifolia flower?
Flowering runs through autumn and winter, generally from March to August, with the spikes opening progressively from the base upward over several weeks. The flowers are orange to red rather than yellow, and mature shrubs can carry dozens at once. Woody seed cones remain on the branches long after flowering ends.
Does it attract birds?
Yes, and it is one of the better plants for it. The spikes hold large amounts of nectar right through winter, drawing wattlebirds, New Holland honeyeaters and eastern spinebills. The dense prickly foliage also gives small birds safe nesting and shelter, which is why it is widely used in habitat and regeneration planting.
How far apart should I plant it for a screen?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen. As freestanding feature shrubs, allow 3 to 4 metres so each plant can develop its full spreading shape. In windbreak rows on rural property, 1.5 metres apart in staggered double rows gives the best density at ground level.
Is it suitable for coastal positions?
It is well suited to coastal gardens and grows naturally on exposed sandy headlands. It tolerates salt wind and poor sandy soil, and stays denser in those conditions than it does inland. Direct salt spray on a front line dune position may burn the foliage tips, so a little shelter helps.
How do I prune and care for Banksia ericifolia?
Tip prune lightly after flowering to keep the shrub dense, cutting into green wood rather than bare stems. Never use a fertiliser containing phosphorus, since members of the Proteaceae are damaged by it, and choose a native blend instead. Water through the first summer, mulch lightly, and keep the mulch off the stem.