Banksia marginata

Common Name: Silver Banksia

Height: 7 metres                               

Spread: 2 metres                               

Habit: Low shrub to small tree.     

Family: Proteaceae

Origin/Habitat: Common on a wide variety of sites from coastal to sub alps and inland.

Foliage: Leaves are fairly stiff, dark green above and whitish below, 3-8cm ´ 3-8mm in size, with a toothed edge (more noticeable on juvenile leaves).

Flowers: Oct-March. Yellow spikes, 5-10cm long, cylindrical in shape.

Other features for identification: Bark has a rough appearance.

Soil preferences: Fertilise at plant out with 15gm of 18:2.6:10 NPK slow release fertiliser.

Cultural tolerances: Will grow from subtropic to highlands temperature zone in most poor soils. Requires full sun. Very resistant to salt winds; resistant to saline soils, drought and frost. Wind tolerance – can be placed in the front line of a windbreak.

Maintenance requirements: Low. Add a 9 month fertiliser in spring.

Uses:   Ornamental , Bird Attracting & Coastal

Other: Medium fire risk. Moderate post fire regeneration.