Banksia marginata

Common Name: Silver Banksia

Description:
Banksia marginata, commonly known as Silver Banksia, is a hardy Australian native tree or shrub valued for its ornamental foliage, striking flowers, and ability to attract wildlife. It features narrow, leathery green leaves with silvery undersides, giving the plant a shimmering appearance in the breeze. From autumn to spring, it produces cylindrical, yellow flower spikes that provide nectar for birds, bees, and other pollinators. This adaptable plant thrives in Melbourne’s climate, tolerating sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as well as coastal conditions. It grows well in full sun to part shade and is highly drought-resistant once established. Silver Banksia is an excellent choice for native gardens, revegetation projects, windbreaks, and informal hedging.

Form:

• Tree - Small
• Shrub - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 2 - 10m (varies depending on growing conditions)
• Width: 2 - 5m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Autumn
• Flowers in Winter
• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Yellow

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots (if kept pruned)
• Australian Native
• Bird Attracting
• Bee Attracting
• Drought Tolerant
• Frost Tolerant
• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Windbreaks
• Fire Resistant (can regenerate after bushfires)

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans and pets

Companion Plants:

• Grevilleas
• Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
• Lomandra species
• Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
• Eucalyptus species