Plant Finder - the ultimate garden reference resource
-
-
-
Common Names
Old Man Banksia
Saw Toothed Banksia
-
Botanic Name
Genus: Banksia
Species: serrata
Variety:
-
Type: Shrub
Family: PROTEACEAE
Origins: Eastern Australia
Light: Full Sun
Wind: Wind/Salt tolerant
Growth: Medium
Frost: Marginal
Evergreen: Yes
Native: Yes
Height: 10m
Width: 3m
Position
Feature
Shrubbery
RETAIL Availability
Easy to find
-
Flower Colour
Yellow
Flowering Time
(Southern Hemisphere)
February
March
April
May
June
Climate Zone
Zone: 9
Zone: 10
Zone: 11
-
This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
A long lived and moderately frost hardy native shrub with a gnarled trunk which is very fire resistant.
It has leathery, saw toothed leaves and striking, greeny yellow, upright flower cones which mature into characterful woody shapes - hence the name Old Man Banksia.
Makes a great statement of character in a garden.
Soil: Most types of soil from poor to rich - will tolerate some waterlogging.
Feed small quantities of blood and bone but avoid over fertilisation.
Maintenance: Easily cultivated, light frosts don't worry it, responds well to pruning to keep tight format.
After fire it will re-sprout from the old wood or from a woody swelling called a lignotuber - these can be above or underground.
All Banksia are sensitive to high levels of phosphorus. A single application of blood and bone or a specially formulated native fertiliser once a year should be sufficient.
Diseases: None of note.
Other Species: There are lots species of Banksia and many new Banksia cultivars.
Comments: The cones of this plant inspired May Gibbs children books like 'Big Bad Banksia Men'.
Author: Bob Saunders.
-
Here we list businesses who usually sell this plant.
Online Retailers
Gardenarium
Based in South Australia, specialising in mainstream, rare and unusual perennial plants along with roses and ornamental trees.
Delivery to: ACT,NSW,NT,QLD,SA,VIC,WA
|
|
Plant Inspirations
Plants for all garden styles, tastes and climates for shipping to East Coast destinations.
Delivery to: ACT,NSW,QLD,SA,VIC
|
|
Sydney Wildflower Nursery
Growing and retailing a wide range of native plants since 1974.
Delivery to: ACT,NSW,NT,QLD,SA,VIC
|
|
Local Retailers
NSW |
Sydney, south and western suburbs:
Sydney Wildflower Nursery |
|
SA |
Mount Gambier:
Gardenarium |
|
Vic |
Bacchus Marsh, Victoria:
Plant Inspirations |
|