Grevillea

How To Find Beautiful Grevillea Plants In NZ

The Plant Company prides itself on growing and sourcing the best plants for our customers. Strict quality standards mean that only the best Grevillea plants will ever be dispatched. We have a wide variety of Grevillea varieties that thrive in New Zealand’s climate. Each plant is packed with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in at its nursery. Our impressive google ranking is testament to how well we perform so you can shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

What Is The Most Attractive Grevillea?

There are many attractive Grevillea species, but some of the most popular include:

• Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon': This is a compact shrub with bright red flowers that bloom year-round. It is a popular choice for gardens of all sizes and is relatively low maintenance.
• Grevillea 'Royal Mantle': This is a groundcover grevillea with red toothbrush-like flowers that bloom in winter and spring. It is a fast-growing plant that can spread to several metres wide.
• Grevillea 'Honey Gem': This is a small shrub with golden yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It is a low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions.
• Grevillea 'Moonlight': This is a small shrub with silver-green foliage and cream-colored flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions.

When choosing a Grevillea for your garden, consider the ultimate size of the plant and the colour of the flowers so you get one that best fits your needs. Be sure to plant it in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained soil to get the best results.

What Is The Best Bird Attracting Grevillea?

The best bird-attracting Grevilleas are those with nectar-rich flowers. Some of the most popular bird-attracting ones include:

• Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon': It has bright red flowers year-round and are a favourite for nectar-feeding birds.
• Grevillea 'Honey Gem' has golden yellow flowers in spring and summer. It is a popular choice for attracting a variety of birds.
• Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' has red toothbrush-like flowers in winter and spring. It is a good choice as it provides a source of nectar during the cooler months.

What Is The Best Grevillea For Screening?

Choosing the best Grevillea for screening depends on several factors, including the desired growth rate, flower colour, and the type of foliage. Here are a few popular options to consider:

• Grevillea 'Robin Hood': This vibrant red flowering variety grows quickly and forms a dense, bushy screen. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
• Grevillea 'Clearview David': This popular choice features two-tone pink flowers and thrives in various climates and soil types. It grows fast and creates a dense screen.
• Grevillea 'Canberra Gem': This versatile shrub has attractive pink flowers, dense foliage, and a rapid growth rate. It tolerates wind, frost, and periods of drought.

The Plant Company has a lot more Grevillea varieties if you wish to consider more options.

What Is The Best Low Growing Grevillea?

There are many low-growing Grevillea species to choose from, but some of the most popular include:

• Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' has red toothbrush-like flowers that appear in winter and spring. It is a fast-growing plant that can spread to several metres wide and is ideal for use as a ground cover or informal border.
• Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is a fast-growing, spreading shrub that can cover large areas quickly. It has attractive bronze divided leaves and long red "toothbrush" flowers that appear throughout the year but particularly in spring. It tolerates poor soil and is drought tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal areas.
• Grevillea 'Moonlight' has a compact growth habit and silver-green foliage. It produces cream-colored flowers in spring and summer and is a good choice for planting in borders.
• Grevillea 'Honey Gem' is a small, low-growing shrub with golden yellow flowers in spring and summer. It is a low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions, making it a good choice for planting on banks.

What Is The Most Cold Hardy Grevillea?

The most cold hardy Grevillea is the Royal Grevillea, Grevillea victoriae. It is native to the Snowy Mountains of Australia and can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C. Other cold hardy Grevilleas include:

• Grevillea juniperina
• Grevillea alpina
• Grevillea australis
• Grevillea 'Elegance'
• Grevillea 'Neil Bell'
• Grevillea 'The Precious'

These Grevilleas can tolerate temperatures down to around -5°C. However, it is important to note that even cold hardy Grevilleas can be damaged by frost, especially if they are young or newly planted.

How To Plant A Grevillea

Choose a full sun position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Grevillea plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A good planting spade makes this job a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. Once out, you need to assess the roots before progressing. If they are not all bound up and haven’t been growing in a circle within the container, place the plant in the hole without removing any of the growing media or cutting the roots. You can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. If, however, the roots have been circling the inside of the pot or they look totally root bound, simply cut through those very outer roots on either side. You don’t need to be any more aggressive than this or remove any of the growing media. You can try and tease the roots apart, but this generally breaks them which is why we cut them. NB: cutting roots is not essential, even if the plant is root-bound as explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is sitting above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure from your fingers as you go. Scatter shrub fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering. If the plant is taller than 30 cm you might want to consider staking it to give it a bit of extra support.

Where Do Grevilleas Grow Best?

Grevilleas are native to Australia and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and arid areas. However, they generally prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are also tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions, making them a good choice for gardens in dry climates.

What Are The Benefits Of Growing Grevilleas?

Growing colourful shrubs such as Grevillea in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• They can provide shelter and screening.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

The Plant Company has a large variety of Grevillea plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Grevillea, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

What Are The Common Garden Uses For Grevillea?

Grevilleas can be grown as shrubs, trees, or groundcovers. They are a good choice for planting in borders, rock gardens, around pools and outdoor living areas, and as screening plants. Grevilleas can also be grown in containers on balconies and patios. They are a good choice for planting on slopes and banks, as their roots help to hold the soil in place and the dense foliage can help protect the soil from erosion.

Grevilleas are tolerant of salty air and can be grown in coastal areas. If you are unsure whether or not Grevilleas will grow well in your area, feel free to contact us and we can help you to choose the right one for your growing conditions.

Where Are Grevilleas Native To?

Grevilleas are native to Australia, with over 350 species found across the continent. They are particularly abundant in the southwest and southeastern regions of Australia, where they thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, heathlands, and coastal areas. Grevilleas exhibit a remarkable diversity in form and size, ranging from small shrubs to large trees. They are renowned for their showy flowers, which come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. Grevilleas play an important ecological role in Australia, providing food and shelter for a variety of native fauna. Their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, while their seeds are dispersed by birds and other animals. Grevilleas are also valued as ornamental plants, and many species are cultivated in gardens around the world. Their attractive foliage and colorful flowers make them a popular choice for landscaping.

How Much Does A Grevillea Cost?

The cost of a Grevillea can vary quite a bit depending on the species and size generally:

• Species and variety: There are over 300 species of Grevillea, each with its own unique characteristics and price range. Some popular and readily available varieties like Grevillea 'Ivanhoe' or Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' might be cheaper than rarer or newer cultivars.
• Size and maturity: Smaller plants, typically in pots or tubestock, will be considerably cheaper than larger, mature trees. Here's a rough estimate of Grevillea prices based on size:
  • Tubestock: $5-$15
  • Small potted plants: $15-$30
  • Medium shrubs: $30-$75
  • Large shrubs and small trees: $75-$200
  • Mature trees: $200-$1000+

Does Grevillea Bronze Rambler Make An Effective Ground Cover Plant?

Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' makes for an excellent ground cover plant, especially for large areas, banks, and slopes. It is fast-growing and quickly spreads to cover up to 2-3 meters wide within a few years. As it grows, it suppresses weeds by stopping light reaching the soil surface. The thick foliage can also act as a shield to reduce rain drops hitting the soil and causing erosion.

There are a few other benefits from growing Bronze Rambler as a ground cover:

• With a height of only 30 cm, it is low-growing and can form a carpet beneath taller plants.
• The bronze-red foliage provides beautiful colour throughout the year, even in winter when flowering subsides.
• It produces stunning, deep purple-red flowers with pink highlights from winter to spring, adding bursts of colour to the landscape.
• Bronze Rambler tolerates various soil types, including poor soils, dry spells, and coastal conditions.
• It requires minimal watering once established and rarely suffers from pests or diseases.
• Birds and bees are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, fostering a healthy ecosystem in your garden.

Overall, Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is a fantastic choice as a ground cover.

How Is Grevillea Robin Hood Typically Used In NZ?

Grevillea 'Robin Hood' is a popular and versatile shrub and is used widely in NZ gardens. Most commonly, it is used for hedging and screening but is also grown as a specimen or included in a mixed planting. A few of its key characteristics include:

• It grows quickly to 3 m tall with dense foliage.
• Trimming encourages more growth, so a dense hedge or screen can easily be achieved.
• It thrives in full sun or partial shade.
• It can tolerate coastal environments, including wind and salt spray.
• It produces vibrant red flowers during spring and summer. These are great for providing a pop of colour.
• It is a low-maintenance plant that is largely drought resistant once established.
• As a specimen plant, it creates a striking focal point in the garden.
• Its compact size (2 m width) allows it to fit comfortably into smaller gardens.
• It combines well with other drought-tolerant plants such as grasses, succulents, and other Australian natives.

With all this in mind, Grevillea 'Robin Hood' can easily be slipped into your garden to add beauty, functionality, and a touch of Australian flair.

What Are The Characteristics Of Grevillea Robusta?

Grevillea robusta, commonly known as the Silky Oak or Silver Oak, is a beautiful and versatile tree native to the rainforests of eastern Australia. It is a popular ornamental tree owing to several characteristics:

• It is fast-growing and can reaching up to 30 m (100 feet) tall with a conical, dense crown. In ideal conditions it will grow 1-2 m per year.
• The foliage is fern-like and presents with a feathery texture.
• Clusters of orange-yellow or reddish flowers in spring and summer attract birds and pollinators.
• The bark is dark grey and deeply fissured, which adds texture and character to the tree.
• It thrives in various climates, including, temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean.
• It can adapt to a range of soil types but doesn't do well in waterlogged conditions. A well-drained soil is ideal.
• Once established, it is largely drought tolerant.
• It can grow in both full sun and partial shade.
• It does have a shallow root system so it not suitable for planting near structures or walkways.

Overall, Grevillea robusta is a stunning and adaptable tree that can add beauty and character to various landscapes. Its vibrant flowers, feathery foliage, and fast growth make it a popular choice for large gardens, parks, and as a shade tree for livestock.

What Are The Characteristics Of Grevillea Dorothy Gordon?

Grevillea 'Dorothy Gordon' is a popular variety of Grevillea with landscape designers. It is favoured for a few key characteristics:

• It grows into a compact, upright shrub with a dense, bushy habit, reaching a height and width of 2-3 metres.
• The foliage comprises fern-like leaves with a stunning combination of colors. The new growth has a beautiful bronze hue, while the established leaves are bright green with bronze tips.
• It produces large flushes of unique, toothbrush-shaped flowers throughout the year, with peak flowering in late winter and spring. The flowers are a captivating mix of deep purple and dark pink.
• Its nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of birds and pollinators.
• It reaches its mature size within a few years, making it a good choice for quick screening or privacy.
• Once established, it can handle extended dry periods.
• It can be grown in full sun and partial shade, and thrives in temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates.
• It is tolerant of coastal environments and can handle wind and some salt spray.

Overall, Grevillea 'Dorothy Gordon' is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a touch of colour and drama to a garden. Its vibrant flowers, attractive foliage, and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

What Are The Characteristics Of Grevillea New Blood?

Grevillea 'New Blood' is a low-growing shrub prized for its vibrant red flowers and dense, evergreen foliage. It makes for a fantastic ground cover plant and has the following characteristics:

• It typically reaches 25-40 cm in height and about 1.5 m wide. It forms a dense, spreading mat that looks fantastic as ground cover or cascading over rocks and walls.
• It produces masses of spider-like flowers in shades of deep red throughout most of the year, with peak flowering in autumn and spring. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of birds and pollinators into the garden.
• The fine, dark green leaves provide a contrasting backdrop to the vibrant red flowers.
• ‘New Blood’ quickly fills in spaces, making it ideal for covering bare ground or creating a low-maintenance border.
• Once established, it can handle extended dry periods. It can be grown in both full sun and partial shade, and it tolerates coastal environments. It thrives in temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates with well-drained soils.
• It is a versatile plant that can be used as ground cover, in borders, grown in a container, or around courtyards and pools.

Overall, Grevillea 'New Blood' is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a touch of colour and interest to any garden. Its vibrant flowers, low-growing habit, and ease of care make it a popular choice.

What Are The Characteristics Of Grevillea Royal Mantle?

Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' is a stunning and versatile plant native to Australia. Some of its key characteristics include:

• It grows with a prostrate growth habit and spreads to about 30 cm tall and 4-6 metres wide.
• The leave are mid-green and new foliage has a copper-red tinge.
• Clusters of deep red flowers are borne throughout spring and summer. These attract nectar-loving birds.
• It prefers a warm climate with mild winters but can tolerate moderate frost once established. It also thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Well-drained soil is essential with regular watering until it establishes.
• It is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning and occasional dose of a balanced fertilizer.
• Its dense growth makes it ideal as a groundcover to cover large areas. This makes it particularly useful on banks and other erosion prone areas.

Overall, Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' is a beautiful, easy-care plant that adds colour, texture, and interest to any garden. Its versatility and tolerance for various conditions make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

What Is The Best Fertilizer For Grevillea?

Grevillea require feeding to keep them growing optimally. The Plant Company's Shrub Fertiliser has been blended to give plants the boost they need and then sustained nutrition for the next 12 months. We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start to grow actively. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. The Plant Company’s Shrub Fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. The Plant Company's Shrub Fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if Shrub Fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.

Can You Grow Grevillea In A Pot?

Grevillea look amazing when grown in pots, especially when managed correctly. To grow a Grevillea in a pot, choose a pot that is no less than twice the size of what it is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser. The Plant Company potting mix has all the nutrients required to sustain the plant for the next 12 months.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants. Add more potting mix and firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods.

The key to having an amazing Grevillea in a pot is to both keep it fed correctly and not to over-water it. Over-watering is the most common reason Grevillea fail in pots.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Grevillea Grown In A Pot?

Grevillea grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertiliser to use is either container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertilisers can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.

What Care Is Needed For Grevillea In Pots?

Growing Grevillea in pots can be rewarding, but they do have specific needs compared to those planted in a garden. Here are some specifics:

• Pick a compact variety such as Grevillea 'Lady O', Grevillea 'Red Clusters', or Grevillea 'Cherry Ripe'.
• Select a pot with drainage holes and use a guilty potting mix designed for shrubs.
• Place your pot in a sunny spot with some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter regions.
• Water deeply when the top 25% of the soil feels dry. Try to avoid overwatering as Grevilleas dislike sodden soil.
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Use a controlled release fertiliser during spring and summer. Apply this sparingly and follow the instructions for how much to use.
• Light pruning after flowering encourages bushier growth and more flowering.
• Repot your Grevillea every few years into a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix and it will thrive!

What Are Some Winter Flowering Grevilleas?

Grevillea boasts several varieties that put on a lovely display of flowers during winter. Here are some of the popular varieties to brighten your garden:

• Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler': This compact ground cover plant explodes with a profusion of pink flowers throughout autumn, winter, and early spring. It thrives in full sun to light shade, well-drained soil, and even tolerates moderate frost and humidity.
• Grevillea 'Honey Gem': This larger option (reaching around 4m tall and 3m wide) has bright orange-yellow flowers that appear throughout the year, with a main flush in late winter. Its open habit creates a lovely airy feel and works well for quick privacy screens.
• Grevillea 'Cherry Ripe': This small shrub grows to about 70 cm tall and wide and has cherry-red coloured flowers through winter. This low-maintenance beauty is a true showstopper!
• Grevillea 'Deua Gold': This versatile beauty (2-3m tall and wide) produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in winter and spring. It's known for its tolerance to dry conditions and moderate frosts, making it adaptable to various climates.
• Grevillea 'Firecracker': This compact shrub (1-2m tall and wide) lives up to its name with fiery red clusters of flowers that bloom in winter and spring. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, attracting birds and adding a vibrant touch to your winter landscape.

These are just a few examples - the diverse world of Grevilleas offers something for everyone, and you are welcome to explore our Grevillea varieties.