Shrubs
Banksia, Genus, coccinea, Species,
- Genus & species
Scarlet banksia
Overview
Banksia coccinea is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 6–15 feet (1.8–4.6 m) tall and 4–10 feet (1.2–3 m) wide, with an upright, sparsely branched habit. Leaves are stiff and leathery, ovate to rounded, 1.2–3 inches (3–8 cm) long and 0.8–1.6 inches (2–4 cm) wide, with toothed margins, dark green above and white and felted beneath. Flower heads are dense, egg-shaped to cylindrical spikes 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) tall, with scarlet styles and grey-white perianths, and open from the base upward. After flowering, the heads develop woody follicles that open after fire or plant death. Growth is slow to moderate, at 6–18 inches (15–45 cm) per year. Plants are sensitive to phosphorus fertilizers and to root disturbance, and they are susceptible to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi in wet, warm soil, which limits cultivation outside of well-drained sandy sites.
Native Range
Native to the south coast of Western Australia, from Albany east to Esperance and inland to the Stirling Range, growing in sandy heath and on granite outcrops.Suggested Uses
Used in coastal and native gardens in Mediterranean-climate zones, spaced 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m) apart. Grown in large containers with a low-phosphorus, sandy mix, and harvested as a cut flower.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 15'
Width/Spread4' - 10'
Colors
Bloom Information
Blooms from August through December, peaking in September–November, with each flower head lasting 3–4 weeks. Heads open from the base upward as styles straighten. Flowering begins at 3–5 years from seed and produces nectar consumed by honeyeaters and insects.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Scarlet styles on a grey-white baseFoliage Description
Dark green above, white-felted beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun (6–10 hours) and sandy, acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0), sharply drained soil low in phosphorus. Hardy to about 23°F (-5°C), equivalent to USDA zones 9–11. Established plants tolerate long dry periods and are watered once every 2–3 weeks in summer. Phosphorus fertilizers cause leaf yellowing and death in Banksia, so only low-phosphorus formulations are used. Good air circulation and free drainage reduce the risk of Phytophthora root rot, which is common in humid, wet-summer climates.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removal of spent flower heads and light tip pruning after flowering to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) of new growth. Cuts into leafless old wood rarely resprout, and stems are cut only above visible leaves. Plants have no lignotuber and do not recover from hard pruning.Pruning Schedule
Prune: December–January
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons
