Plants growing on the coast or in windblown sites may adapt to the harsh conditions by becoming low growing. A low growing plant which is increasing its share of the market is Banksia spinulosa ‘Coastal Cushion’. This Australian native is a coastal form of Banksia spinulosa. It has a neat and tidy appearance, and grows well in the ground.
Another variety, B. ‘Birthday Candles’, is slightly lower growing and prettier than ‘Coastal Cushion’, according to Don Burke, but may be harder to grow. He recommends growing ‘Birthday Candles’ in a pot rather than in the ground, as good drainage is essential.
Plant details
Common name: Coastal cushion
Botanical name: Banksia spinulosa ‘Coastal Cushion’
Description:
A low growing plant to 50cm (20″) with a spread of 1.5m (5′). The dense foliage is an attractive bright green. The flowers grow to around 12-15cm long (5-6″) and have a dual colour effect with gold cones and maroon coloured styles.
Uses:
as a groundcover planting
in a rockery
tub plant
Likes:
good drainage
full sun results in better flowering
Dislikes:
heavy shade but will grow in partly shaded sites
wet feet
high phosphorous fertilisers
may be sensitive to frost
Climate:
Banksia spinulosa ‘Coastal Cushion’will grow in temperate areas as far north as Yandina.
Getting started
Banksia spinulosa ‘Coastal Cushion’ comes in 20cm(8″) pots and ranges in price from $18-$25.
Availability
At the moment Banksia ‘Coastal Cushion’ may be difficult to find at your local nursery as it is difficult to propagate but stocks are increasing. Contact your local native specialist or one of the following nurseries for Coastal cushion:
NSW
Sydney Wildflower Nursery (West)
241 South Street
Marsden Park, NSW, 2765
Phone: (02) 9628 4448
QLD
Fairhill Native Nursery
Fairhill Road
Yandina, QLD, 4561
Phone: (07) 5446 7088 or fax: (07) 5446 8131
VIC
Kuranga Native Nurseries
393 Maroondah Highway
Ringwood, VIC, 3134
Phone: (03) 9879 4076 or fax: (03) 9870 7301
