Bird Song Banksia

Bird Song Banksia (Banksia hybrid 'Bird Song', a cross of Banksia spinulosa and B. ericifolia) is a compact hybrid that grows 1 to 2m tall and wide, with dense branches of small, slender leaves and dark orange red flower spikes through autumn and winter. It brings the nectar and bird activity of a banksia to small gardens and large containers.

Why you'll love it

• A banksia that fits small spaces. At 1 to 2m in each direction it suits small gardens and large containers, where a full size banksia would not.
• Flowers in the quiet months. Yellow candles open to bold burnt orange red spikes in autumn and winter, when few other plants offer native birds a feed.
• Birds love it. Native birds feed on the flowers and spend ages among the dense branches, so plant it where you can listen to them.
• Salt spray and light frost. It tolerates salt spray and light frost, which makes it a practical choice for coastal gardens and mild frost districts.
• A dense, bushy habit. Slender leaves on bushy branches fill out into a neat informal low hedge or screen.

Where it works best

Coastal gardens. It handles the salt spray that scorches many shrubs, and the light, well drained soil of many coastal sites suits it.

Informal low hedges and screens. Plant 1m apart in a single row. At that spacing plants that reach 1 to 2m wide grow into one another and form a dense, informal line.

Pots and small gardens. It is happy in large containers of native mix potting soil, so courtyards and patios can have a banksia too.

Wildlife gardens. Pair it with grevilleas and native grasses to give birds nectar, seed and shelter in layers.

Growing Bird Song Banksia in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in full sun for the best flowering. It tolerates light frost and salt spray and suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. In cool climates and exposed sites, expect a smaller plant.

Soil. Choose well drained, light soil. Leaves may yellow in alkaline soils, so where the ground is limey, grow it in a large container of native mix instead.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first summer while the roots establish. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser in spring, and check that its phosphorus content is under 3%, because banksias are phosphorus sensitive.

Pruning. Prune as required after flowering to keep growth dense. Keep cuts to leafy growth rather than bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bird Song Banksia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted. Tube stock is the economical choice for a hedge line, though the plants start small, so allow a couple of seasons for them to fill out and carry a good show of flower spikes.

Plants travel upright and settle in quickly. Water them in on arrival and plant into light, free draining soil.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The banksia care guide for Australian gardens
• Browse more banksias
• Plants that attract birds
• Plants for small gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

One metre apart in a single row suits a plant that reaches 1 to 2m wide. They grow together into an informal hedge rather than a clipped formal one.

What fertiliser should I use?

Use a slow release native fertiliser with a phosphorus content under 3%, applied in spring. Ordinary garden fertilisers can carry too much phosphorus for banksias.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. It is happy in a large container of native mix soil, which also helps if your garden soil is alkaline and the leaves yellow.