Banksia fraseri

Uncommon shrub has attractive straw-yellow flowers that are well displayed at branch tips. Takes well to pruning if form becomes too sprawling with time. Good drainage. No phosphorus.
synonyms Dryandra fraseri
height 18–24in
width 2–3ft
tolerates Coast, Drought, Pots, Wind
water
needs
Low – Moderate
water
info
Banksia are from mediterranean climates of Australia and adapt well to California, particularly along the coast. They appreciate good drainage, but are somewhat adaptable to heavier soil as long as watering is infrequent (once established) and they are in a sunny spot. Once established they will grow and look their best with deep watering every other week to once a month during summer. If they have sharp drainage they will tolerate even more water.

Of the dryandra group of banksias fraseri is known to be one of the most adaptable, which is evidenced by its large range - all the way from the Kalbarri north of Geraldton to Cranbrook in the far south-west of Australia.
hardy
to
24F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Bloodmeal, Fish Emulsion, Low Needs, No Phosphorus
origin SW Australia
california
native
No
sunset
zones
15–17, 22–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

This banksia has evolved a thick taproot called a lignotuber, which allows it to regrow from devastating wildfires. This also allows this banksia to take hard pruning much better than banksia without lignotubers, even to the ground once mature. Plant in high fire areas for a regenerative garden.
Banksia prefer mildly acidic soil, and if your PH is on the high side you can add cottonseed meal or chelated iron to lower it. They appreciate nitrogen in the form of fish emulsion or blood meal, but never give them any significant phosphorus and avoid potassium.