Banksia robur
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Banksia robur

Broadleaf banksia · Swamp banksia · Broad-leaved banksia

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
18
Observations
40

Description

Source: leafsnap

Banksia robur, commonly known as swamp banksia, or less commonly broad-leaved banksia, grows in sand or peaty sand in coastal areas from Cooktown in north Queensland to the Illawarra region on the New South Wales south coast. It is often found in areas which are seasonally inundated. Although it was one of the original banksias collected by Joseph Banks around Botany Bay in 1770, it was not named until 1800 by Cavanilles, with a type collection by Luis Née in 1793.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Swamp banksia originated in coastal swamps and thrives in consistently moist environments. While it can handle brief dry spells, it needs weekly watering to grow optimally. As an evergreen plant, swamp banksia benefits from natural rainfall, which helps maintain its lush foliage all year round.

☀️ Light Full sun

Swamp banksia comes from open habitats, like sunny meadows and the edges of forests, which supply plenty of light. It prefers Full Sun but can tolerate Partial Sun, adjusting well to different light conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Swamp banksia is fairly adaptable to temperature, able to endure higher heat and wide temperature fluctuations. In hot weather, attention should be paid to watering and providing some shade to prevent sunburn. On the other hand, its resistance to cold is relatively limited; although it tolerates some chill, very low temperatures can cause frost damage.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Timing is important when fertilizing Swamp banksia. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue on a monthly basis until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The swamp banksia is known for its large, leathery leaves and striking golden flower spikes. For optimal care, prune the plant during its dormant period, which falls from early to late winter. Focus on removing dead wood and thinning out crowded branches to improve airflow and promote healthy growth. Always use clean, sharp tools when pruning, and consider the plant's natural shape to maintain its aesthetic appeal.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Banksia
Family
Proteaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
2.44 m
Mature Spread
2.13 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow, Brown
Flower Size
10.16 cm to 15.24 cm
Bloom Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late fall, Early winter, Mid winter

Tags (6)

Common Names (3)

en Broadleaf banksia
en Swamp banksia
en Broad-leaved banksia