This is a magnificent and striking Banksia, well worth growing as an ornamental for its incredible blue-grey flower buds which make very impressive cut flowers. It also sports lush red new growth. Its range in the wild is limited to Hinchinbrook Island and the adjacent mainland in QLD.
Grows well in the eastern states, tolerant of humid summers, and can be grown as far south as Melbourne, but it is not tolerant of heavy frost, being from North Queensland. It can be grown as a low, bushy coastal windbreak.
Prune lightly after flowering to encourage shapeliness. Banksias are phosphorus sensitive, so a good native fertiliser is best when it comes to feeding time.
Banksia plagiocarpa – Hinchinbrook Banksia
Family : Proteaceae
Cultivar Name:
Plant Type : Large shrub
Width : 5
Flowering Time : Summer, Autumn, Winter
Soil Type : Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam
Climate Zone : Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean
Growth Habit : Evergreen, Open foliage
Soil Moisture : Well-drained
Special Uses : Cut flower
Scientific Name: Banksia plagiocarpa
Common Name : Hinchinbrook Banksia
Height : 6
Flower Color : Blue, Mauve
pH Level : Acid, Neutral
Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Flower garden, Coastal garden
Light : Sunny, Light shade, Half shade
Lifespan : Perennial
Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost
Attracts Wildlife : Bees, Nectar eating birds