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    • Photo of Banksia blechnifolia flower by Waltzing Matilija

    Photo by Waltzing Matilija

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

    Show all photos

    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.

    By: Waltzing Matilija

    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.

    By: The Desert Northwest

    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

    See other plant types of Banksia for your garden

    Banksia marginata

    aka Silver Banksia

    Plant Type

    Tree, Shrub

    Zones

    8a-11

    Size

    Height: 15'-30'

    Width: 10'-20'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Banksia marginata flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
    View Plant

    Banksia grandis

    aka Bull Banksia, Giant Banksia

    Plant Type

    Tree, Shrub

    Zones

    9a-11

    Size

    Height: 10'-30'

    Width: 5'-15'

    • sun
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Banksia grandis flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
    View Plant

    Banksia spinulosa 'Carnarvon Gold'

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    9a-11

    Size

    Height: 5'-15'

    Width: 4'-10'

    • sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Banksia spinulosa 'Carnarvon Gold' flower, foliage, form by Cas Liber
    View Plant

    Banksia canei

    aka Mountain Banksia

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    9a-11

    Size

    Height: 6'-9'

    Width: 6'-9'

    • sun - dappled shade
    • regular - drought tolerant
    Photo of Banksia canei flower, foliage by Casliber
    View Plant

    More Options

    Banksia spinulosa var. cunninghamii

    aka Banksia cunninghamii

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    9a-11

    Size

    Height: 8'-10'

    Width: 4'-6'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    Photo of Banksia spinulosa var. cunninghamii flower by Lyrebird Dell Walk
    View Plant

    More Options

    +42 more Banksia
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