Banksia Serrata - Evergreen Trees Direct

Banksia serrata

$150.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 50cm/75L 100L 200L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.7m - 2.3m Approx.
100L: 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: 10m to 20m (approx.)

Mature Width: 3m to 6m

Banksia serrata is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm 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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Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Banksia serrata

Banksia serrata develops a gnarled, deeply furrowed trunk and heavy twisted branching that gives it more character than almost any other Australian native. Large greenish-yellow flower spikes appear through summer and autumn, followed by the woody cones that made the Old Man Banksia famous.

Banksia serrata grows to 10 to 20 metres tall and 3 to 6 metres wide at 20 to 40 centimetres per year, though in exposed coastal sites it stays far shorter and broader with a wind-sculpted form. Large serrated leathery leaves give it a bold texture that reads well against modern architecture.

This Australian native is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and thrives in poor sandy soils and coastal exposure. It grows in full sun, requires sharp drainage and low-phosphorus feeding, and lives for well over a century.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Banksia serrata

How big does Banksia serrata grow?

Banksia serrata reaches 10 to 20 metres tall and 3 to 6 metres wide in sheltered conditions. In exposed coastal sites it stays much shorter and develops a broader wind-sculpted form.

When does Old Man Banksia flower?

Large greenish-yellow flower spikes appear through summer and autumn, followed by the distinctive woody seed cones that persist on the tree for years.

Does Banksia serrata attract birds?

Yes. The flower spikes are a major nectar source for honeyeaters, lorikeets and native bees, and the rough bark and hollows provide habitat for small birds and mammals.

What soil and feeding does it need?

Sharp drainage and sandy or gravelly soil suit it best. Use only low-phosphorus native fertiliser, as banksias and other Proteaceae are damaged by high-phosphorus formulations.

Is Banksia serrata frost hardy?

Yes. It is frost hardy and survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, and it also tolerates coastal salt exposure well.

How fast does it grow?

It grows slowly at 20 to 40 centimetres per year. The slow rate produces the gnarled character and dense timber the species is valued for.

How far apart should I plant Banksia serrata?

Plant 3 to 4 metres apart for a screen or windbreak, or 5 to 6 metres apart as individual feature trees where the trunk character can develop.

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: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

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

Banksia serrata works in an:

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

Is Banksia serrata Evergreen or Deciduous?

Banksia serrata is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m to 20m (approx.)

Mature Width: 3m to 6m

Banksia serrata is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Banksia serrata

Banksia serrata is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Banksia serrata

Is Banksia serrata frost tolerant?

Banksia serrata is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Banksia serrata Flower?

Banksia serrata produces large, cylindrical cream to pale-yellow flower spikes from summer into autumn. These bold, textured blooms sit proudly above the serrated foliage, creating a striking seasonal display and offering abundant nectar for pollinators.

Does Banksia serrata flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer
Autumn

Flower Type:

Fluffy

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Is Banksia serrata an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Banksia serrata is Native to Eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales and into eastern Victoria, typically found in coastal heathlands, sandy soils, and open forests.

What is the Wildlife Value of Banksia serrata ?

Its nectar-rich flower spikes attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies and beetles, while the dense foliage and woody seed cones provide shelter and habitat for birds and beneficial insects. The long flowering season also supports pollinators when other food sources are limited.

How much Sunlight does Banksia serrata need?

Banksia serrata will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Banksia serrata performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It is highly sensitive to poor drainage and may struggle in heavy clay unless significantly improved with organic matter and coarse material to promote aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then reduce watering as the tree matures and develops excellent drought resilience.

Is Banksia serrata Drought Tolerant?

Is Banksia serrata Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Banksia serrata develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in dry, sandy and coastal environments and maintains its rugged, architectural form with minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Banksia serrata

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 serrata

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 serrata is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Banksia serrata

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: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

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 serrata in Different Soil

Banksia Serrata 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

Q: How quickly will my tree grow?
A: Growth rate varies by species and conditions, but on average, expect 30 to 60 cm per year for most common garden trees.

Q: When is the best time of year to plant my tree?
A: The best planting time is during the dormant season, in autumn after leaf drop or early spring before bud break.

Q: How much water does my tree need?
A: Newly planted trees require more water to establish roots—about 25 to 50 liters per week, depending on the weather. Once established, they need 15 to 25 liters per week during dry periods.

Q: Can I plant this tree close to my house?
A: It's recommended to plant large trees at least 10 meters away from buildings to prevent potential damage from roots or branches.

Q: How long will it take for my tree to flower or bear fruit?
A: Flowering and fruiting times can vary, but typically, trees may take 3 to 5 years to mature enough for this process.