Banksia solandri

Stirling Range banksia
Large evergreen shrub prefers mineral soils. Showy brown-gold flower clusters grow at branch tips. No phosphorus fertilizer.
height 5–15ft
width 3–6ft
tolerates Coast, Cool Summers, Drought, Pots, Salt, 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		 25F
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		 14–24

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 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. You can also prune off lower branches to force a more treelike form, this is best started early.
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.
Superstar in wind, where it can even grow as a windbreak for other plants in the garden.
This banksia is intolerant of fire and will not recover from a blaze.