This bushy shrub to small tree has a variable habit from upright to spreading with grey bark and may have a lignotuber. It has dark green narrow oblong leaves and the small yellowish tube-shaped flowers appear in a cylindrical head from summer to autumn.

Hardiness zones 8 to 9 

Banksia marginata is naturally found in Australia from south-eastern New South Wales to Victoria growing in woodlands, forests or coastal dunes and may be found in peaty soils around swamps. 

It prefers sandy to clay loams that are well drained and moderately fertile in a open sunny position and is drought and light frost tolerant. 

Silver Banksia is grown for its habit and flowers. It is planted in medium size gardens as a specimen or along shrub borders for screening and attracting birds. It is suitable for coastal or mountain gardens establishing in 3 to 4 years and tolerates a wide range of soils and positions. ID 1943

Note:
The type of soil and the growing position determines the habit of the plant. It s a variable plant with certain types tolerating fire by re-shooting from the lignotuber, while other plants die off and set seeds for regeneration.

Banksia (BANK-see-a) marginata (mar-gin-ā-tā)
‘Banksia’: after 18th century British botanist Sir Joseph Banks;

Proteaceae (pro-tee-AY-see-ee)
Protea Family