Banksia spinulosa

Common Name:
Hairpin Banksia

Description:
Banksia spinulosa, commonly known as Hairpin Banksia, is a highly ornamental and adaptable Australian native shrub renowned for its bold flower spikes and fine, dark green foliage. It naturally occurs along the east coast of Australia and performs beautifully in a wide range of garden settings, including Melbourne’s temperate climate. The cylindrical flower spikes, which range in colour from golden yellow to orange and even reddish tones depending on the variety, bloom from autumn through winter into early spring, providing valuable nectar for birds, bees, and small mammals during the cooler months. The common name "Hairpin Banksia" comes from the hooked style of the flowers, which resemble hairpins. This species has a tidy, compact form with narrow leaves that are slightly serrated or spinulose along the edges, giving the plant year-round texture and appeal. Banksia spinulosa is drought-tolerant, frost-hardy, and thrives in full sun to part shade with well-drained soils. It suits a variety of uses, from low hedging to container planting and native habitat gardens.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

• Shrub - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 1 to 3 metres

• Width: 1 to 2.5 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Autumn

• Flowers in Winter

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Yellow

• Orange

• Red (in some forms)

Key Attributes:

• Australian native

• Suitable for Pots

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Drought Tolerant

• Suitable for Hedging

• Coastal Tolerant

• Low Maintenance

• Fire Retardant Qualities (low flammability)

• Long Flowering Season

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Companion Plants:

• Grevillea lanigera

• Leptospermum scoparium

• Lomandra ‘Tanika’

• Correa reflexa

• Melaleuca thymifolia