Silver Banksia
Banksia marginata
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
Banksia marginata is a TREE growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 9
Where it is found
Usually found in sclerophyll forest from the coast to mountainous areas.
Australia - New South Wales, S. Queensland, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The flowers are filled with a sweet nectar which can be sucked directly or washed out with water to make a refreshing beverage.
Nectar: produced in such abundance by some flowers that it can be harvested fairly easily.
Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The bark contains 10% tannin. This species has been used as a rootstock for propagating other members of the genus. Wood - soft, easily worked, pinkish with a prominent grain. It is highly decorative but the plants tend to be gnarled and irregular thus limiting its use. Used for veneers, furniture etc.
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained lime-free soil and a sunny position. Thrives in acid sandy loams. Prefers a pH between 6.3 and 6.5. Plants are tolerant of damp soils and sea winds. If this species is to be successfully cultivated, the soil should be low in nutrients, especially in nitrates and phosphates. This species is not very cold-hardy, possibly tolerating temperatures down to around -5°c. Plants require greenhouse protection in most parts of Britain but high-altitude forms could succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. This species hybridizes in the wild with B. integrifolia and B. conferta penicillata. A good bee plant.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in an ericaceous compost as soon as the seed is ripe or as soon as it is obtained and do not exclude light. Seal the pot in a plastic bag until germination takes place, which can take 1 - 3 months or more at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in sand in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist