Photo © copyright Ivan Holliday

Banksia marginata is a very variable species. Forms include a dwarf variety less than 1m tall, rounded bushy forms to 4m and straggly trees to 8m. Width varies from 0.5 to 5m.

All varieties are adaptable and frost hardy. B. marginata accepts part shade to full sun and all types of soil. Moisture may vary from damp through well drained to dry. The plant is tolerant of salt and lime, preferring acid to neutral soil.

This plant is suitable for coastal and inland positions as well as the Adelaide Hills and plains.

The leaves are dark green on top and silver underneath which forms an attractive contrast.

The bottlebrush shaped flowers are yellow and born on spikes 4 to 10cm long and 3 - 5 cm in diameter. Flowering is in spring and summer.

This plant is very useful to honey eaters as a nectar source in winter. In South Australia, the Yellow tailed Black Cockatoo feeds on the fruit which it can break with its large chisel like beak.

The flowers of banksias. are rich in nectar and the spikes can be soaked in water to produce a sweet drink. Pick the flowers early in the morning while they are sticky with nectar.

This quick growing plant is also a potential windbreak and fire retarder and benefits from pruning.

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