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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Banksia marginata is a TREE growing to 9 m (29ft 6in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Nectar
Edible Uses: Drink

The flowers are filled with a sweet nectar which can be sucked directly or washed out with water to make a refreshing beverage[183, 193].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The bark contains 10% tannin. This species has been used as a rootstock for propagating other members of the genus. Wood - soft, easily worked, pinkish with a prominent grain. It is highly decorative but the plants tend to be gnarled and irregular thus limiting its use. Used for veneers, furniture etc.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained lime-free soil and a sunny position[1, 200]. Thrives in acid sandy loams[167, 200]. Prefers a pH between 6.3 and 6.5[200]. Plants are tolerant of damp soils and sea winds[260]. If this species is to be successfully cultivated, the soil should be low in nutrients, especially in nitrates and phosphates[200]. This species is not very cold-hardy, possibly tolerating temperatures down to around -5°c[260]. Plants require greenhouse protection in most parts of Britain[1] but high-altitude forms could succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country[200]. This species hybridizes in the wild with B. integrifolia and B. conferta penicillata[200]. A good bee plant[154, 167].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow in an ericaceous compost as soon as the seed is ripe or as soon as it is obtained and do not exclude light. Seal the pot in a plastic bag until germination takes place, which can take 1 - 3 months or more at 20°c[134]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in sand in a frame[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AUSTRALASIA: Australia (Tasmania, New South Wales (east), South Australia (southeast), Victoria)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Banksia integrifolia	Coast Banksia	Tree	9.0	8-11		LM	N	M	2	0	3
Pinus banksiana	Jack Pine	Tree	12.0	2-7	F	LM	N	DM	2	2	3
Rosa banksiae	Banksia Rose	Shrub	10.0	6-9	F	LMH	N	M	2	1	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Banksia marginata - Cav.