These are tender, evergreen shrubs and small trees native to Australia. They are grown for their ornamental foliage. The leaves are green on top and silvery-white underneath. Banksia grandis has large, divided leaves; Banksia integrifolia has oblong to lanceolate leaves and Banksia ericifolia has very narrow leaves. These plants can be grown outdoors in mild climates such as southern California's or in greenhouses.

Banksias require a minimum temperature of 50 degrees. The compost should be a mixture of equal parts of loam and peat lightened with sand. The pots need excellent drainage. Repotting should be done in March.

Well-ripened shoots can be inserted in sand in a propagating case in the greenhouse in August and September.

 Banksia grandis;
 Banksia integrifolia;
 Banksia ericifolia.