Black Magic Hairpin Banksia

Black Magic Hairpin Banksia (Banksia spinulosa var. cunninghamii 'Black Magic') is a hairpin banksia with a dramatic flower: tall cylinders of golden honey, each tipped with jet black. It grows 1.5m to 2m high and wide, flowers in autumn and winter, and the blooms stay on the plant.

Why you'll love it

• Gold and black flowers. The tall cylinders are golden honey with jet black tips, a combination few other plants can match.
• A honeyeater magnet. Honeyeaters love the nectar, so a winter garden becomes a lively place.
• Tolerates clay, sand and salt spray. It copes with clay and sandy soils and with salt spray in coastal gardens.
• Handles heat and light frost. It is very heat tolerant and will come through a light frost.
• Grows beneath gums. It will even grow under gum trees, in sun or dappled shade.

Where it works best

Wildlife gardens. Plant it where you can watch honeyeaters from a window or seat. The flowers stay on the shrub, so the display lasts.

Informal low screens. Plant 1.5m apart for an informal hedge or low screen. The slender foliage gives a soft, textured edge.

Mixed beds and native gardens. Use it as a feature shrub among grevilleas, correas and native grasses, as the gold and black flowers stand out against fine foliage.

Growing Black Magic Hairpin Banksia in Australia

Position and climate. Sun or dappled shade. Native to the Great Dividing Range, it suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. It copes with a light frost, and it is very heat tolerant.

Soil. Plant in well drained soil that is on the acid side if possible. It tolerates clay and sandy soils, and salt spray in coastal gardens.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. Feed in spring with a slow release native fertiliser with a phosphorus ratio under 3 per cent, because banksias are phosphorus sensitive.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to promote more flowers during the next flowering season.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Black Magic Hairpin Banksia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted into well drained soil. It arrives small, so expect foliage growth first and flowers as the shrub matures.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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

• Browse the full banksia range
• Banksia care guide for Australian gardens
• Australian native shrubs
• Designing a native garden to attract wildlife

Common questions

Will it grow under my gum trees?

Yes. It will even grow under gum trees, in sun or dappled shade. Water it well in its first year while it competes with the gum roots.

Do the old flowers stay on the plant?

Yes. The spent flower spikes remain on the shrub. Prune lightly after flowering if you want to tidy up and encourage more blooms.

Can I use it as a hedge?

As an informal low hedge, yes. Plant 1.5m apart, trim lightly after flowering and expect a soft, natural shape rather than a clipped one.