This shrub has a short greyish trunk with flaky bark and hairy erect branches that form a bushy habit. It has leathery dull dark green serrated oblong leaves and the reddish to greenish-yellow cylindrical spike appears amongst the foliage from early spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Banksia praemorsa is naturally found in south-west Western Australia growing just above the coastline near Albany and inland on sand dunes and the adjoining hillsides. It prefers an open to exposed sunny position and grows in very well drained poor to moderately fertile sandy-stony shallow soils, that are tending acidic but it will tolerate alkaline soils. It is drought and salt spray tolerant but frost tender.

The Cut-leaf Banksia is grown for its flowers and bushy habit. It is planted in small or water wise gardens along borders or as a large rockery specimen. It is also grown in large tubs and planter boxes and commonly seen in botanical collections. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions preferring a Mediterranean climate and establishes in 3-4 years. In cold regions it is grown as a specimen in a glasshouse or conservatory. ID 3778

Banksia (BANK-see-a) praemorsa (pray-MOR-suh)

Note:
In exposed positions the plant produces red-maroon coloured flowers and the yellow form is rare. The plant is killed by fire and regenerates by seed as it has no lignotuber.

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