Photo of Banksia blechnifolia flower by Waltzing Matilija

Photo by Waltzing Matilija

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Banksia blechnifolia

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

  • H: 7"-18"
  • W: 36"-144"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Banksia blechnifolia plant details

Banksia blechnifolia is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover shrub with blue and green foliage. In fall orange and red flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in acidic, average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Banksia blechnifolia

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: proteaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 36 IN - 144 IN - wide, 7 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: orange and red blooms in fall
Uses: big flowers, serrated leaves, showy, unique, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Banksia blechnifolia

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt and wind
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

My go-to ground cover Banksia. This little character is quickest to bloom (three years from seed) and is quirky enough to capture the attention of any garden visitor. The deeply serrated leaves grow perpendicular to the ground and are rigid to the touch while the backsides have a distinct reptilian pattern. The flowers protrude from the edge of the foliage beginning as small acorns before developing into 6" oblong fuzz ball.
Fascinating! This is actually one of several Banksia species that creeps along the ground, producing large leaves that stick straight up while the stems are completely prostrate. In the case of this species, the leaves recall with remarkable resemblance those of some species of the fern genus Blechnum, though they are much tougher, and may exceed 12” long. Cylindrical orange or orange-red flower spikes may be produced on older plants: these arise directly from ground level resulting in a very curious looking plant! And to top it all off, it has brilliant pink new growth! Being from summer-dry Western Australia, it will appreciate a hot site, perhaps with reflected heat, and NO summer water. Although we're not sure how hardy this is yet, it's certainly hardier than might be expected. So far it has survived temperatures in the upper teens °F unharmed. It can also be grown in a container in a sandy soil mix, where it is sure to make an interesting conversation piece.

Gardening facts about Banksia blechnifolia plant

How to Grow Banksia blechnifolia

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • wind tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • red
    • orange
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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