Vincentia Banksia

Vincentia Banksia (Banksia vincentia) is a rare, low mounding native shrub, 50cm to 75cm high and 1m to 2m wide. Its tufty, needle like foliage carries large deep orange flower spikes tipped with burgundy. Fewer than 15 wild plants are known, so every garden plant helps conserve a critically endangered species.

Why you'll love it

• Genuinely rare. A critically endangered species, rescued and propagated through the NSW Saving our Species program, and now growing in home gardens.
• Low and wide. It forms a mound 50cm to 75cm high and spreads 1m to 2m, so it fits rockeries, banks and front gardens.
• Deep orange flowers. Large cylindrical spikes tipped in burgundy stand out against fine green foliage.
• Wildlife value. It is a source of nectar and a refuge for wildlife.
• Foliage in every season. Dense, needle like green leaves hold their shape year round.

Where it works best

Rockeries, banks and slopes. Plant 1m apart for a low mounding drift. Its wide, rounded shape softens rocks and covers sunny banks.

Front gardens and open trees. Use it as a feature at the front of a sunny bed or in bright gaps around open trees, where the orange spikes can be seen from the path.

Growing Vincentia Banksia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in an open, breezy spot. It dislikes high humidity, so it is happiest in warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Reports differ on how much cold it stands, so shelter young plants for the first couple of years, especially where light frost might occur.

Soil. Well drained soil, neutral to acid, in a sunny position. It does not like wet feet, so mound clay soils generously. In humid regions, a raised bed or a large pot gives you control over drainage.

Water and feed. Water carefully while it establishes: do not let it dry out, but do not overwater. Wait until the plant is established before feeding, then use a native fertiliser with phosphorus under 3 per cent, because banksias are very phosphorus sensitive.

Pruning. It needs little. Remove dead tips lightly and avoid cutting into bare, leafless wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Vincentia Banksia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The species is so rare that supply is limited, and each tube is a small piece of conservation. Plant it out soon after it arrives, in a sheltered sunny spot, and water it in carefully.

Tube stock is raised by our grower and is not always available. When it shows as sold out, the notify button on this page sends you an email the day plants are 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
• Plants for rockeries
• The banksia care guide
• A guide to rare Australian native plants

Common questions

Why is Vincentia Banksia so rare?

The species is critically endangered, with fewer than 15 wild plants known. A rescue program has propagated it, so garden plants help keep it going.

Will it cope with humidity?

It dislikes high humidity and wet feet. In humid regions plant it on a mound in an open, airy position, or grow it in a pot.

How cold can it go?

Accounts differ, so shelter young plants for their first two years and avoid exposed frost pockets.