Banksia verticillata

Albany granite banksia
Unparalleled evergreen flowering shrub for coastal zones. Showy golden flowers in dense clusters appear summer-fall. Summer-drought-adapted. No phosphorus fertilizer.
height 6–14ft
width 3–15ft
tolerates Coast, Cool Summers, Drought, Fog, Pots, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Most banksias, like this one, are from mediterranean climates of Australia and adapt well to California, particularly along the coast. They appreciate good drainage. Once established they will grow and look their best with deep watering once a month or two during summer if they have sharp drainage.
hardy
to		 25F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Acid 1/2 Strength, No Phosphorus
origin SW Australia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 14–17, 20–H1

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

This species is one of the best choices for gardens in coastal areas, including where salty winds occur. It can be a nice windbreak as well as a featured flowering shrub.
Once established in cooler coastal areas from Big Sur northward it may be able to survive on winter rainfall alone.
Best performance in sharply drained soils. This banksia is the only species known to grow exclusively in granite substrates. If soils are heavy in your garden, try growing this pretty bloomer in a container.
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Special Interest

Beautiful, lush green foliage year-round.

Curious, picturesque, cone-like, woody fruits resemble a colony of stacked muppet lips or tiny clams.