Bold blooms, native beauty, and a magnet for birds — Banksia plants bring winter gardens to life.
Banksias are absolute beauties in the winter garden, bringing bold colour, texture and life just when many other plants are winding down. Their striking flower spikes light up the garden in warm tones of gold, orange, red, and pink—and they’re a magnet for native birds, bees, and even tiny marsupials seeking nectar and shelter.
Popular varieties include:
- Banksia spinulosa (with golden toothbrush-shaped blooms)
- Banksia robur (large-leaved and dramatic)
- Banksia integrifolia (a hardy tree great for screening and shade).
Banksias work beautifully in native gardens, mixed borders, or as statement plant in pots. Kids will love watching honeyeaters and parrots drop by for a snack! Banksias thrive in free-draining soil and full sun, and once established, they are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Nurseries are well stocked with them right now, so it’s the perfect time to pick out a few for your patch and invite a little more nature in.
Top tips for growing them at home
- Prune plants lightly after flowering: This encourages bushier growth and more blooms next season.
- Choose the right spot: they love full sun and excellent drainage. A raised bed or sandy soil is ideal – Rocky Point have a fabulous Native Mix that is great for phosphorous sensitive natives.
- Water young plants well: While established Banksias are drought-tolerant, give new plants a good soak until they’re settled in.
- Avoid phosphorus-rich fertilisers: Like many natives, they prefer low-phosphorus blends – look for products labelled “safe for natives.”
- Mulch for moisture and weed control: Apply a layer of natural mulch like pine bark or the Garden Family Tea Tree Mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture and support root health.
If you are short on space and want to grow them in a pot there are phosphorus sensitive potting mixes available. We recommend Native Premium Potting Mix 30L by Rocky Point.
Fun facts
- While most people notice the birds and bees, Banksias also attract tiny nocturnal marsupials like sugar gliders and possums who come for the nectar — a fun family garden feature!
- Perfect for Dried Floral Arrangements -flower heads can be cut and dried for long-lasting, sculptural additions to indoor floral displays.
- Great for Coastal Gardens – Many species are salt-tolerant and thrive in sandy soils, making them ideal for coastal regions.
