Grevilleas: Comprehensive Plant Care & Growing Guide

Low-maintenance shrubs that reward gardens with year-round blooms and pollinator visits.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 10, 2025

Low-maintenance shrubs that reward gardens with year-round blooms and pollinator visits.

Grevillea Plant Care & Growing Guide

Grevilleas are celebrated for their feathery evergreen foliage, striking flower clusters, and robust drought resistance. Native to Australia and well-adapted to temperate gardens worldwide, these vigorous shrubs and small trees deliver year-round visual interest and habitat value to pollinators. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to grow and maintain healthy Grevillea plantsâfrom plant selection and site preparation to care routines and design strategies.

Introduction to Grevilleas

Grevillea comprises more than 360 species, ranging from low-growing groundcovers to tall, specimen trees. Each offers unique foliage forms and flower colors, and most are evergreen perennials well-suited to garden landscapes in USDA Zones 8-11. With their drought tolerance, distinctive look, and minimal maintenance, Grevilleas are popular choices for both novice and expert gardeners.
Native primarily to open Australian landscapes, Grevilleas have evolved to thrive in harsh environments, adapting to everything from desert soils to high-altitude forests. Their sturdy dissected leaves and robust structure are evolutionary adaptations to conserve water and withstand poor soils.
These resilient plants are striking additions whether grown as privacy hedges, specimen shrubs, groundcovers, or as part of pollinator-friendly gardens.

Grevillea: Key Facts at a Glance

Type: Evergreen shrubs, small trees
Lifespan: Perennial
USDA Zones: 8â11
Soil: Well-drained, acidic to neutral; avoid wet, heavy or alkaline soils
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established
Companions: Other proteas, drought-tolerant natives
Design Value: Hummingbird and pollinator attraction
Flower Colors: Red, pink, white, yellow
Peak Season: Late spring and throughout the year by variety

Choosing the Right Grevillea

The ideal Grevillea for your garden depends on space, aesthetic needs, and climate:

Dense-growing varietals (Grevillea lavandulacea): Best for privacy screens and hedges; dense foliage blocks views and wind.
Groundcover types (Grevillea lanigera âMt Tamborithaâ): Mound-forming, silver-gray leaves; suitable for erosion control or filling gaps.
Tall Shrubs & Trees (Grevillea âHoney Gemâ): Mature heights up to 15 feet; ideal as specimen trees or large focal points.

Commonly Grown Species & Cultivars

Species/Cultivar	Height	Growth Habit	Flower Color	Use
Grevillea lavandulacea	3â6 ft	Dense shrub	Red, pink	Screen, hedge
Grevillea lanigera ‘Mt Tamboritha’	1â2 ft	Groundcover	Pink, cream	Erosion control
Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’	Up to 15 ft	Tall shrub/tree	Yellow-orange	Specimen, shade
Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’	8â10 ft	Spreading shrub	Red, orange	Wildlife attraction

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Proper site and soil selection is essential for healthy, long-lived Grevilleas:

Light: Choose a sunny, sheltered spot; south-, west-, or east-facing sites are optimal. At least six hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended for abundant flowering and compact growth.
Protection: Shield plants from harsh northerly winds, especially in cooler climates or near coasts.
Soil: Grevilleas thrive in well-drained acidic to neutral soils. Avoid waterlogged areas and heavy clay; if drainage is poor, amend soil with sand, grit, or compost. In containers, use ericaceous compost to maintain appropriate pH.

Container Growing

While most Grevilleas prefer garden soils, some species can be grown in pots. Use containers only slightly larger than the root ball, as oversized pots may retain excess moisture around roots and increase the risk of rot. Ensure drainage holes and avoid standing water.

Planting Grevillea

Best Time to Plant: Spring, so roots establish before winter dormancy and cold snaps.
In-Ground Planting: Dig a hole wider and deeper than the plantâs container. Place the plant with the top of the root ball at soil level. Backfill and firm gently. Water thoroughly after planting, and maintain moisture during hot weather until established.
In Containers: Use a pot just larger than root ball, filled with free-draining, acidic compost. Water lightly and place in a sunny location.

Grevillea Care & Maintenance

Watering

Establishment: Regular watering is important during the first season.
Once Established: Grevilleas are highly drought-tolerantâwater only when soil is dry, and never water during winter dormancy.

Feeding

Avoid fertilizers high in phosphorus (P), which can harm Grevillea roots. Select native plant formulas with low P content.

Pruning

Prune lightly from late winter to early spring to control shape and encourage bushinessâdo not shear aggressively.
Remove tired or leggy growth in groundcover varieties; replace old plants for best landscape effect.

Design & Landscape Uses

Color & Texture: Unique foliage and vivid flowers add year-round texture, movement, and bursts of color.
Privacy: Dense shrubs provide wind protection and privacy screens along fences or property boundaries.
Groundcovers: Low-growing varieties are excellent for erosion control or bridging gaps in sunny borders.
Pollinator Gardens: Rich nectar attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Companion Planting

Pair Grevilleas with other Proteaceae family members and drought-tolerant natives: Leucadendron, Banksia, Acacia, and Kangaroo Paw.
Choose plants with similar water and soil needs to ensure healthy growth and prevent nutrient competition.

Common Problems & Solutions

Root Rot: Often caused by wet, heavy soils. Remedy with proper drainage and watering only when needed.
Poor Flowering: Check for insufficient sun exposure or excess nitrogen in soil.
Yellowing Leaves: May indicate excess phosphorus or alkaline soil pH; amend soil and review fertilizer choice.
Pests: Grevilleas are generally pest-resistant, although aphids or scale occasionally appear; treat with horticultural oil or soap sprays if needed.

Seasonal Care Routine

Spring: Plant new Grevilleas; prune for shape control and remove winter-damaged growth.
Summer: Water during prolonged dry spells or heat waves; monitor for pests.
Autumn: Reduce watering as weather cools; prepare beds for winter.
Winter: Avoid all feeding and supplemental watering to minimize root disease risk.

Propagation Tips

Most Grevillea propagation is from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early fall.
Sow seeds from fresh pods, noting variable germination rates; protect young plants from excessive wetness.

Safety & Handling

Many Grevillea leaves contain substances that may cause skin irritation. Always wear gloves when pruning or planting.
Keep pets and children away from trimmed branches and compost piles if sensitive.

Wildlife Benefits & Ecological Value

Grevillea flowers produce abundant nectar, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies throughout the growing season.
Dense shrubs offer bird nest sites and safe cover for small wildlife.
Low-maintenance and drought tolerance make Grevilleas valuable in eco-friendly, water-wise landscapes.

Design Tips & Inspiration

Mass Plantings: Use clusters of Grevillea in large borders for texture and continuous bloom.
Contrast: Pair with ornamental grasses or silver-leaved plants (such as Westringia) for striking contrast.
Container Displays: Smaller Grevillea varieties can be used in large pots for patio color or entryway accents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are Grevilleas frost-hardy?

A: Most Grevilleas tolerate light frost if well established, but severe freezes can cause damage. Select cold-hardy species for borderline climates and protect during harsh spells.

Q: Can I grow Grevillea in alkaline soil?

A: Grevilleas prefer acidic to neutral soils. Amend alkaline soils with organic matter and acidic compost for best results.

Q: How often should I prune Grevilleas?

A: Prune lightly annually in late winter or early spring for shape maintenance. Avoid heavy shearing, which can reduce flowering.

Q: Do Grevilleas attract pests?

A: Generally pest-resistant, though aphids or scale can occasionally appear. Treat only as needed and avoid broad-spectrum pesticides.

Q: How do I fertilize Grevillea?

A: Use low-phosphorus, native plant fertilizer only if necessary; over-fertilizing can damage roots and reduce flowering.

Q: Can Grevillea be grown indoors?

A: Grevilleas are best suited to outdoor environments but may be grown temporarily indoors in bright, sunny positions if air circulation and light levels are high.

Glossary of Key Terms

Ericaceous Compost: Acidic compost preferred by plants like Grevillea, azalea, and rhododendron.
Semi-Hardwood Cutting: New growth that has partially matured; ideal for vegetative propagation.
Proteaceae: Plant family including Grevillea, Banksia, and Proteaânative to southern continents.
Nectar: Sugary liquid produced by flowers to attract pollinators.

Grevilleas: Comprehensive Plant Care & Growing Guide

Grevillea Plant Care & Growing Guide

Introduction to Grevilleas

Grevillea: Key Facts at a Glance