Photo of Banksia formosa flower by Waltzing Matilija

Photo by Waltzing Matilija

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Banksia formosa

Also Known As

  • Dryandra formosa

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-10'
  • W: 4'-8'

planting zones

  • 9b-11

Banksia formosa plant details

Banksia formosa is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. 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. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Banksia formosa

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: proteaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Banksia formosa

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Formerly known as Dryandra formosa, this character is popular with floral designers and gardens who crave a long lasting flower in the vase or garden. The young flowers glow in the light due of the velvety texture. Once mature they turn to a golden bristle.

Gardening facts about Banksia formosa plant

How to Grow Banksia formosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

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

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Banksia for your garden

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

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

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

Plant Type

Shrub, Groundcover

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 7"-18"

Width: 36"-144"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Banksia blechnifolia flower by Waltzing Matilija
View Plant

More Options

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

+42 more Banksia
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