Blechnum Banksia

Blechnum Banksia (Banksia blechnifolia) is a spreading groundcover banksia from the sandy flatlands of southern Western Australia. It stays about 50cm high but sprawls 2m to 4m wide, with upright, fern-like leaves silver beneath and rust red flower candles that nestle underneath in spring.

Why you'll love it

• Unusual foliage. Firm, upright leaves look like blechnum fern or grevillea leaves, patterned silver beneath, with furry tan-orange stems and new growth.
• Flowers tucked underneath. Dark rust red candles with feathery bases open from the bottom upwards into cylinders of rust red and orange.
• Low and wide. It is only 50cm high but spreads vigorously to 2m to 4m, so it covers ground fast.
• A haven for wildlife. It provides shelter and nectar for pollinators, birds and small native mammals.
• Handles drought and light frost. Once established it tolerates periods of drought and light frost.

Where it works best

Native borders and rockeries. Let it spill over rocks or the edge of a path, where the fern-like leaves read well against stone.

Groundcover. Plant 1.5m apart to cover a large sunny bank. Allow for its wide spread, because it will fill the gaps as it matures.

Coastal and sandy sites. It is happy in sandy and coastal sites, even on the east coast, and does not mind clay if the drainage is good.

Growing Blechnum Banksia in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a sunny spot. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean climates, and tolerates periods of drought and light frost once established. Protect it from hard frost.

Soil. Plant in a light, well drained soil that is neutral to acid. It does not mind clay if it drains well.

Water and feed. Water carefully to establish young plants: do not let them dry out, but do not overwater. Water mature plants in very dry periods only. Feed in spring as the candles form, with a slow release native fertiliser with a phosphorus ratio under 3 per cent.

Pruning. Prune after flowering if needed, to encourage bushier growth and more flower stems.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Blechnum Banksia as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, while the 140mm pots arrive with more growth already made. Expect it to settle in before it starts to spread.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment: press the notify button and we will email you the day it returns.

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
• Groundcover plants
• Rockery plants

Common questions

How far will it spread?

Between 2m and 4m wide, at about 50cm high. It is vigorous, so plant it where it has room to roam.

Will it grow on the east coast?

Yes. It is native to Western Australia, but it is happy in sandy and coastal sites, even on the east coast, as long as the drainage is good.

Where do the flowers appear?

In spring, tucked under the upright leaves. They begin as dark rust red candles with feathery bases and open from bottom to top.