Would it suit to plant a coastal banksia as a feature tree for our small front yard? It would be pretty close to the sidewalk in our garden bed that runs alongside the sidewalk (1.5m deep).
Is it possibly to keep it smaller with pruning? Just worried about it getting in the way of pedestrians or getting too close to our gutters if it gets too large, so we are unsure if it’s a good choice.
Happy for other suggestions!
Thanks!
by Aromatic-Mountain892
7 Comments
What’s your p.H like – banksia are chill with between 6.0 and 6.5, though some species can tolerate neutral or even alkaline pH 7+ say Banksia *marginata* . Regardless – Banksia are highly sensitive to phosphorus and require excellent drainage. Could give it a go. Why not. Would look good
Go for it. Lovely tree that can handle a prune.
If you are set on a banksia there are other smaller options eg banksia spinulosa, dwarf acorn banksia, banksia ashbyi dwarf etc. although these are more shrubs than trees. Banksia robur is a nice feature with some height too.
If you are looking for a native feature tree in general, a dwarf (grafted) corymbia would be stunning.
Standard Grevillea?
I think gravillias would be really nice here, you can get smaller ones and prune them to the size and shape you want
I’d go a bottlebrush as they come in a good range of colours and sizes and feed the birds and the bees.
Local native species are best!