Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia)

Today we had to be in Adelaide so came home via Blackwood and Wittunga Botanic Gardens. It is a few years since we had been there and a lot of new plantings have been done in the past 6 months.

Amongst the plants flowering were some Banksias. Surprisingly, from a rainfall point of view, Banksia integrifolia grows quite well here (13 inches). The rainfall at Wittunga would be nearer 24 inches I suppose.

Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia)

Here it grows to about 5-6 metres. It can grow to as much as 20m. The leaves are attractive being dull dark green above and silvery below, with pale yellow flowers. In places it grows right up to the edge of sea water. Yet it is also frost hardy.

Here it grows on highly alkaline soils with good drainage. Limestone rubble in the soil at least ensures that! At Wittunga it would be nearer neutral to possibly slightly acidic.