	height	6–10
	width	8–12ft
	tolerates	Coast, Drought, Heat, 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.
	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	NW Australia
	california native	No
	sunset zones	15–17, 19–24

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 a thick bushy form, and can be kept smaller by pruning. Don’t prune more than two years of growth or you risk the plant not budding back. Alternatively, prune out lower branches to give it a more open form.

Banksia prefer mildly acidic soil, and if your PH is on the high side you can add cottonseed meal or other mild acidifying fertilizer 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.

Banksia sceptrum

Growing Notes

Special Interest