Banksia spinulosa ‘Coastal Cushion’ – A Low-Growing Native Beauty
Banksia spinulosa ‘Coastal Cushion’ is a compact, ground-hugging Australian native shrub, known for its dense green foliage and golden-yellow flower spikes. This hardy, low-maintenance variety thrives in coastal gardens, rockeries, and native landscapes, making it an excellent choice for low-growing coverage and wildlife-friendly planting.
Key Features
🌿 Compact Growth Habit: Forms a dense, spreading cushion, reaching about 50 cm in height and up to 1.5 meters wide, making it perfect for ground cover, mass planting, or borders.
🌸 Golden-Yellow Flower Spikes: From autumn through winter, this variety produces upright golden-yellow flower spikes with deep maroon styles, creating a stunning contrast against its fine green foliage. The blooms attract birds, bees, and pollinators, bringing life to the garden.
Ideal Growing Conditions
☀️ Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade, with brighter light encouraging more prolific flowering.
🌱 Soil Requirements: Adapts well to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-drained.
💧 Watering Needs: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant, needing only occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
❄️ Climate Adaptability: ‘Coastal Cushion’ is frost-hardy, tolerant of dry conditions, and thrives in coastal areas, handling salty winds with ease.
Care & Maintenance
✨ Fertilizing: As a native plant, it requires a low-phosphorus fertilizer to support healthy growth without harming its root system.
✂️ Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed—a light trim after flowering will keep it compact and encourage fresh growth.
🦋 Wildlife Attraction: Its nectar-filled flowers provide a valuable food source for native birds and beneficial insects, making it a great addition to a biodiverse garden.
Why Grow Banksia ‘Coastal Cushion’?
✔ Dense, spreading habit makes it ideal for erosion control and ground cover.
✔ Bright golden blooms add color and warmth to cooler seasons.
✔ Low-maintenance and hardy, perfect for coastal, native, and water-wise gardens.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, easy-care native plant that provides year-round interest and supports local wildlife, Banksia ‘Coastal Cushion’ is a perfect choice!
