Banksia Integrifolia

Coast Banksia / Coastal Banksia / Honeysuckle

Botanical Name: Banksia integrifolia
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Eastern Australia (coastal forests & dunes)
Plant Type: Evergreen tree / large shrub

Overview

Iconic coastal banksia valued for its pale yellow cylindrical flower spikes (mainly autumn–winter) and tough, salt-tolerant nature. Leaves are dark green above with a silvery underside, giving a two-tone effect in the wind. Excellent as a feature, windbreak or privacy screen in SA, especially near the coast.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 5–12 m H × 3–6 m W (can be maintained 3–5 m with pruning)
• Growth Rate: 30-60+ cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Narrow, leathery mid-green leaves, silver-white undersides
• Flowers: Pale yellow/cream “candles” mainly autumn–winter, with spot blooms outside peak
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure; strongest autumn–winter display
• Wildlife Value: Heavy nectar for honeyeaters, bees & insects; seeds interest birds
• Tolerance: Drought- and heat-tolerant once established; Wind & coastal tolerant (salt spray); Light frost tolerant
• Planting Density: Screens/hedges: 1–2 m apart (closer for faster privacy); Specimens/backdrops: 3–5 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic (woody cones are prickly—site away from paths)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Sandy to loam, well drained (will tolerate sandy coastal and some lighter clay if mounded/drained)
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Tip-prune after flowering to keep dense (avoid cutting into old wood); mulch; feed lightly in early spring with low-P native fertiliser
• Lifespan: 20–40+ years
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal sites
• Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (tolerates slight alkalinity better than many banksias)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy hedge/windbreak for coastal or exposed sites
• Feature/specimen with year-round presence and winter flowers
• Mixed native backdrop with grevilleas, lomandras and westringias

Why You Will Love It

Reliable winter colour and bird appeal on a tough, salt-proof evergreen that’s equally happy as a screen or statement tree.