Sabrina Hahn: The best banksias to plant in coastal soils and the best Perth nurseries to buy banksias

Banksias can be tricky to plant in the garden, particularly on coastal sands, but there are some species that will thrive in that environment. Banksia trees are vital for the survival of cockatoos, nectar-feeding birds, honey possums, native bees and a host of other species. They have been part of the Australian landscape for millions of years. The amount of nectar found in the flowers also attracts pygmy possums, sugar gliders, insects and bats. Many of the night-dwelling animals that visit the flowers are important pollinators and have evolved alongside banksias. The oldest fossils of banksia cones are found in Western Australia and are between 47.8 and 41.2 million years old. Surprisingly, fossil remains of banksias have also been found in New Zealand, and they date between 21 and 25 million years old. Banksias range from ground covers to tall trees and everything in between. There is a huge variation in the leaves, flowers and cones between species. Even within the same species great differences occur between one growing on the coast in salt-laden winds and the same species grown inland. Banksias that grow on rugged coastlines have adapted to only grow into shrubs but will develop into a fully grown tree inland out of the wind. For people who have struggled to grow banksias along the coast, these examples have proven to thrive in coastal soils. Tip The best nurseries to purchase banksia plants are Zanthorrea, Australian Native Nursery, APACE and Muchea Tree Farm. Three jobs to do now 1. Passionfruit vines can be pruned anytime from September through to the end of October. The cooler nights over September will reduce their growth spurt. Feed them up after pruning to encourage new growth. 2. Plant beans directly in the veggie patch now the soil is warming up. 3. Prune abutilons lightly and fertilise with a granular mineral-based fertiliser.