Old Man Banksia
A striking Australian native with bold foliage and dramatic, sculptural cones
Old Man Banksia is a hardy, architectural native shrub or small tree known for its serrated leaves, rugged bark, and iconic cylindrical flower spikes. It brings texture, structure, and year‑round interest to the garden. In SEQ’s warm climate, it thrives in well‑drained soils and sunny positions, making it an excellent choice for native, coastal, and contemporary landscapes.
🧬 Botanical Name
Banksia serrata
🪴 Common Names
Old Man Banksia, Saw Banksia, Saw‑toothed Banksia
📏 Size
Height: 3–8 m (smaller in gardens)
Width: 2–4 m
Upright, branching habit with a broad canopy
☀️ Light Requirements
Outdoors (SEQ): Full sun
Tolerates light coastal exposure
Needs good light for strong flowering
🌱 Soil Needs
Free‑draining sandy or loamy soils
Prefers low‑phosphorus conditions
Excellent for coastal and poor soils
Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay
💧 Watering
Water regularly during establishment
Once established, highly drought‑tolerant
Water sparingly — prefers drier conditions
Signs of underwatering: slow growth, leaf curl Signs of overwatering: yellowing leaves, root stress
🌿 Growth Habit
Rugged, gnarled trunk with textured bark
Serrated, leathery leaves
Large cylindrical flower spikes (cream to pale yellow)
Woody seed cones add year‑round interest
✂️ Maintenance Level
Low
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid heavy pruning into old wood
Feed only with native‑safe, low‑phosphorus fertiliser
🌤️ Seasonal Performance (SEQ)
Thrives in warm, sunny conditions
Flowers mainly from late summer to winter
Handles coastal winds and dry spells
Evergreen year‑round
⭐ Special Care Notes
Requires excellent drainage
Avoid high‑phosphorus fertilisers
Mulch lightly — keep mulch away from trunk
Ideal for wildlife gardens (nectar‑rich flowers)
🏡 Where It Works Best
Native and coastal gardens
Contemporary landscapes needing structure
Feature shrub or small tree
Wildlife‑friendly planting
Dry, sandy, or exposed sites
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overwatering → root rot
Planting in heavy clay → poor performance
Using high‑phosphorus fertiliser → nutrient toxicity
Hard pruning into old wood → slow recovery
