Banksia integrifolia 'Roller Coaster'

Banksia 'Roller Coaster' (Banksia integrifolia prostrate form) is a vigorous, cascading native groundcover ideal for banks, rockeries, and shrub borders. It features dense green foliage with striking silver undersides, creating a shimmering effect as the foliage moves in the breeze. The plant produces fuzzy, pale yellow flower spikes from autumn through spring that attract birds and pollinators, adding life and color to the garden.

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Prostrate and spreading, covering up to 4 meters wide and about 0.4–0.7 meters high
• Foliage: Deep green leaves with silvery undersides in whorled clusters
• Flowers: Pale yellow cylindrical flower spikes appearing autumn to spring, rich in nectar
• Position: Prefers full sun to part shade, thrives in well-drained soils
• Soil: Tolerant of sandy, loamy, or poor soils; great for coastal and exposed sites
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; prune lightly to control shape and size; phosphorus sensitive—use native fertilizer
• Climate Suitability: Frost hardy once established, drought tolerant, suited to coastal and temperate Australian climates including Ballarat and southern coastal zones

Uses

Excellent for erosion control, playground-friendly landscapes, wildlife habitat, rockeries, and mass planting on slopes.

Fun Fact

Banksia 'Roller Coaster' earned its name from its cascading growth habit that looks like waves rolling down a hill, adding a dynamic and naturalistic feature to garden landscapes. Its dense foliage also provides shelter for small lizards like skinks and blue-tongues, making it a valuable habitat plant.