Banksia marginata silver banksia
This is one of the toughest banksias, as it will withstand some frost, and survive salt winds on the coast; it grows well on Tresco in the Scilly Isles. It is a shrub or small tree, native of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, where it flowers in summer. Its cylindrical flower heads are pale to bright yellow, to 10cm (4in) long. The green leaves are 2.5–10cm (1–4in) long, silvery beneath.
Cultivation Is best in acid sandy soil, with no phosphatic fertilizer. Bonfire or wood ash, however, is beneficial.
Height to 10m (33ft); spread to 6m (20ft). USZ 9–11, surviving -6.5°C (20°F) of overnight frost. Tolerant of summer drought.