Banksia Ericafolia - Evergreen Trees Direct

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Banksia ericifolia

$250.00

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Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 6m (approx.)

Mature Width: 2m to 5m

Banksia ericifolia is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Banksia ericifolia

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.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Type: Structural Foliage

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Uses in my Garden

Screening or Privacy
Rural Property Planting
Revegetation or Regeneration
Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Windbreak

Banksia ericifolia works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.

Is Banksia ericifolia Evergreen or Deciduous?

Banksia ericifolia is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 6m (approx.)

Mature Width: 2m to 5m

Banksia ericifolia is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Banksia ericifolia

Banksia ericifolia is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Banksia ericifolia

Is Banksia ericifolia frost tolerant?

Banksia ericifolia is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Banksia ericifolia Flower?

Banksia ericifolia produces large, upright orange to amber flower spikes from autumn through winter. These striking cylindrical blooms sit proudly above the fine, heath-like foliage, creating a bold seasonal display and adding strong colour when little else is flowering.

Does Banksia ericifolia flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Autumn
Winter

Flower Type:

Fluffy

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Is Banksia ericifolia an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Banksia ericifolia is Native to Eastern Australia, mainly coastal New South Wales and southern Queensland, where it grows in heathlands, sandstone soils, and coastal scrub.

What is the Wildlife Value of Banksia ericifolia ?

Its nectar-rich flower spikes attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies and beetles, while the dense foliage provides shelter for small birds. The long flowering season also supports pollinators and contributes significantly to local biodiversity.

How much Sunlight does Banksia ericifolia need?

Banksia ericifolia will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Banksia ericifolia performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and prefers slightly acidic conditions. It is highly sensitive to poor drainage and can struggle in heavy clay unless significantly improved with organic matter and coarse sand to enhance aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then reduce watering as it matures and develops strong drought resilience.

Is Banksia ericifolia Drought Tolerant?

Is Banksia ericifolia Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it needs regular watering, but once established Banksia ericifolia develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in dry, sandy and coastal conditions and maintains its distinctive form with minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Banksia ericifolia

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Banksia ericifolia

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Banksia ericifolia is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Banksia ericifolia

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Banksia ericifolia in Different Soil

Banksia Ericifolia performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best uses for Banksia ericifolia in a garden?

A: This native Australian shrub is perfect for gardens, coastal plantings, and attracting native wildlife, adding year-round beauty to your landscape.

Q: How tall does Banksia ericifolia typically grow?

A: The mature height ranges from 2 to 6 meters, making it suitable for various garden sizes.

Q: Is Banksia ericifolia drought-tolerant?

A: While it displays moderate drought tolerance, consistent watering is advisable during dry spells, especially in the establishment phase.

Q: When should I prune Banksia ericifolia?

A: Pruning can be performed as needed to maintain a neat appearance and remove any dead or leggy growth. Light pruning is usually sufficient.

Q: Can I plant Banksia ericifolia in coastal areas?

A: Yes, this shrub is tolerant of coastal conditions and thrives in such environments, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens.