New Dawn Coastal Banksia

New Dawn Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia 'New Dawn') is the banksia for gardens that cannot spare room for a 5m tree. It matures at about 2m tall and 3m wide, with a loose, open outline, and carries long lime to yellow flower spikes through winter. It also takes salt spray, wind and frost down to about -6C.

Why you'll love it

• A coastal banksia at one third of the size. The parent tree can pass 5m. This dwarf form stays near 2m, so it fits courtyards and side beds where the full size tree never could.
• Winter flowers for birds. Long lime to yellow spikes open in winter and draw nectar feeding birds and bees into the garden.
• Foliage that flashes silver. Dark matt green leaves sit in whorls and show a grey white underside, so the whole shrub shimmers when the wind lifts it.
• Tough where it counts. Frost, wind, humidity and salt spray all sit within its range, including the frontline of a coastal property.
• Pods worth keeping. Seed pods emerge pale silver green, darken to brown and hold their shape in indoor arrangements.

Where it works best

Coastal gardens. Salt spray and onshore wind that scorch most shrubs are part of its home territory. Plant it on the exposed side as a first line of defence and give softer plants shelter behind it.

Native borders. Space plants 2.5m apart so the canopies just meet in a loose, flowing line. The open outline lets light reach low natives planted underneath.

Wildlife plantings. Put one near a window or outdoor table and the winter spikes bring birds into close view. Mix it with grevilleas and bottlebrushes for nectar across more months.

Growing New Dawn Coastal Banksia in Australia

Position and climate. Choose full sun. The parent species grows naturally from the Fraser Coast to southern Victoria, and this form copes with humid subtropical summers as well as cold southern winters. Flowering is best in an open spot with good airflow.

Soil. Drainage matters more than fertility. It grows in most soils given enough water, but on heavy clay plant on a low mound so winter rain drains away from the crown.

Water and feed. Water deeply once a week through the first summer, then rely on rainfall except in long dry spells. Feed once in spring with a slow release native fertiliser. This banksia is sensitive to phosphorus, so choose a product with a phosphorus ratio under 3 per cent.

Pruning. Tidy it after flowering by tipping back growth as needed. Avoid cutting into bare, leafless wood, because banksias often fail to reshoot from it.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell New Dawn Coastal Banksia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is the economical way to plant a long border, and the potted packs start with a more developed root system. Expect a small, upright plant on arrival. Flower spikes follow as it fills out over the first few seasons.

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

• Banksia care guide for Australian gardens
• Browse the full banksia range
• More coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Other Australian native plants

Common questions

How big does New Dawn actually get?

About 2m tall and 3m wide, roughly a third the size of the parent coastal banksia. Allow the full width when you plan spacing, because it spreads further than it rises.

Does it need a coastal position?

No. Coastal banksias grow well inland across a wide range of conditions, from Queensland to southern Victoria. The coast is simply where this one is hardest to beat.

Which fertiliser is safe to use?

Only a native slow release product with a phosphorus ratio under 3 per cent. Ordinary garden fertilisers carry far more phosphorus than this banksia can handle, and overfeeding can kill it.