Wallum Banksia

Wallum Banksia (Banksia aemula) is the banksia of the east coast sand country: a tall, branching native that can reach 8m unclipped but is usually much shorter, especially on windswept sites, and about 3m wide. Big rounded pale creamy-yellow flower heads open in autumn and winter, followed by distinctive lumpy seed pods.

Why you'll love it

• Big flower heads in the cooler months. The pale cream-yellow blooms open in autumn and winter, when little else in the garden is flowering.
• Birds at sunrise and sunset. Nectar feeding birds are drawn to the flowers and feed at the start and end of the day.
• Made for coastal sites. It takes salt spray, sandy soil and wind, so a beachside block is its natural home.
• Decorative seed pods. The lumpy seed pods and the flowers are both valued for arrangements, and the pods hold on the shrub.
• A tough survivor. It regrows after fire, a trait that suits the fire-prone coastal bush it comes from. It is also known as banyalla.

Where it works best

Open screens. Plant 2.5m apart for an open, airy screen. The branching framework filters wind and views without making a solid wall.

Coastal gardens. Native to the east coast from north of Bundaberg to south of Sydney, it handles the salt wind and sandy soils that defeat many plants.

Wildlife and cut flower gardens. Plant it where you can see the birds from a window, and cut a few flower heads and seed pods for indoors.

Growing Wallum Banksia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and humidity suit it, and it tolerates occasional dry spells and light frost. It grows best in subtropical and warm temperate climates, particularly in coastal sites with regular rainfall.

Soil. Plant in well drained sandy to sandy loam soil, but not alkaline ground. It tolerates dry soils and salt spray, and it copes with less well drained soil than many banksias, although on heavy clay a raised mound helps.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. For best growth give it regular rainfall or water. Feed in spring with a slow release native fertiliser with a phosphorus ratio under 3 per cent. Wallum banksia is less sensitive than other species, but general garden fertilisers can still harm it.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote a dense habit and plenty of blooms in the next flowering season.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Wallum Banksia as tube stock, 200mm pots in packs of 6 and single 300mm pots. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical way to plant a screen, while the 200mm and 300mm pots give a larger plant from day one.

Tube stock is supplied by our grower and is not always on hand. When it shows as sold out, use the notify button on the page and you will be emailed the day it is available again.

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
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Plants that attract birds

Common questions

How big will it really get?

It can reach 8m if left unclipped, but it is generally much shorter, especially in a windswept site, and about 3m wide. Pruning after flowering keeps it to a size that suits your space.

Does it need a special fertiliser?

Yes. Use a slow release native fertiliser with a phosphorus ratio under 3 per cent. Wallum banksia is less sensitive than other banksias, but ordinary garden fertiliser can still damage it.

Will it grow in clay or alkaline soil?

It prefers well drained sandy ground and dislikes alkaline soil. It handles less well drained soil better than many banksias, but on heavy clay, plant on a raised mound.