Only low phosphorus fertilisers should be used. Species native to Western Australia are prone to root-rot fungus and generally do not grow well in parts of Australia which experience high humidity and rainfall in the summer. Banksias range from low-growing shrubs to trees up to 25 m tall. Some species, for example Banksia ericifolia and Banksia menziesii , are known for their spectacular flower heads. The flower heads produce large volumes of nectar and attract many birds and small mammals to feed on them.
Banksias are excellent plants to encourage native animals to the garden.
The following Banksias grow well in most of the temperate areas of Australia and have been successful at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. Most of these species are available commercially. The local branch of the Society for Growing Australian Plants may be able to assist in locating seed or cuttings of less commonly cultivated species. This plant is similar to the better known Banksia serrata . It rarely exceeds 3 m high, is more bushy in habit and is more tolerant of poorly drained soils.