Grevilleas are hardy, evergreen natives that thrive across Australia. Their nectar-rich flowers support local wildlife, while their fine or soft foliage adds year-round texture and colour to the garden. Whether you're growing a compact shrub like ‘Arieties’ or a taller stunner like ‘Soopa Dooppa’, they’re a brilliant choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Ideal Conditions
Sunlight
Grevilleas perform best in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In shaded positions, they may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Soil
They need well-drained soil — sandy, loamy or gravelly types are ideal. If planting in heavy clay, improve drainage by mixing in coarse sand, compost, and gypsum, or plant into a raised mound or bed. Keep soil slightly acidic to neutral, and avoid alkaline or high-phosphorus conditions.
Climate Suitability
Grevilleas grow well in most regions of Australia: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, ACT, and milder areas of TAS.
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‘Arieties’ and ‘Lemon Baby’ are perfect for smaller spaces and cooler zones.
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‘Ned Kelly’, ‘Robyn Gordon’ and ‘Soopa Dooppa’ thrive in warmer, coastal, or inland areas.
Planting Guide
When to plant
Plant in autumn or spring for best results. Avoid extreme heat or frost periods.
How to plant
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Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
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Backfill with a free-draining mix and water in well with seaweed solution.
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Apply a layer of mulch around the base (keep it away from the stem).
Spacing
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‘Arieties’ – allow 1 to 1.5 m between plants
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‘Robyn Gordon’ and ‘Ned Kelly’ – 1.5 to 2 m spacing
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‘Lemon Baby’ – ideal for containers or tight spaces
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‘Soopa Dooppa’ – space around 2 m for spreading form
Watering
Establishment phase
Water deeply 2–3 times a week for the first 6–8 weeks after planting.
Once established
Grevilleas are drought-tolerant and only need watering during extended dry periods. Overwatering can lead to root rot — always let the top few centimetres of soil dry out between waterings.
Feeding
Grevilleas are light feeders. Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser (phosphorus below 3%) in spring and autumn. Avoid manures, composts, or fertilisers designed for general garden use, as these may be too rich and can damage roots.
Optional: Use a liquid feed for natives (like Seasol or PowerFeed for Natives) every 4–6 weeks during flowering to promote extra blooms and strong growth.
Pruning & Maintenance
Regular tip-pruning after flowering helps maintain a bushy shape and encourages more flowers. Most Grevilleas respond well to being pruned back by up to one-third after the main flowering flush.
Avoid cutting into bare, woody stems — always leave some leafy growth to encourage regrowth.
Remove any dead or damaged wood throughout the year to keep plants tidy and healthy.
Pests & Problems
Grevilleas are generally low-maintenance, but you may occasionally notice:
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Aphids or scale – treat with horticultural oil or a gentle insecticidal soap.
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Root rot or collar rot – avoid soggy soil and waterlogged conditions.
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Yellowing leaves – often caused by poor drainage, excessive watering, or overfeeding.
Always check that soil is draining well and the plant isn’t crowded or shaded.
Growing in Pots
Smaller varieties like ‘Lemon Baby’ and ‘Arieties’ are great for containers.
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Use a native potting mix with added coarse sand or perlite.
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Choose pots with good drainage (minimum 40 cm wide).
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Position in a sunny, sheltered spot.
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Water when the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
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Repot every 2–3 years or refresh the top layer of mix to maintain health.
Wildlife & Landscape Value
Grevilleas are prized for their ability to attract native birds, bees, and butterflies. Their long flowering period (often 6–9 months of the year) ensures a steady supply of nectar and garden interest.
Use Grevilleas as:
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Feature plants in native gardens
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Bird-attracting hedges or privacy screens
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Erosion control on slopes
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Groundcovers for weed suppression (e.g., compact cultivars)
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Mixed with lomandra, callistemons, or westringia for low-maintenance design
Eco Tips
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Group Grevilleas together to create microclimates and retain soil moisture
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Mulch with native leaf litter or bark to reduce watering needs
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Avoid synthetic fertilisers and pesticides to protect beneficial insects
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Use captured rainwater for irrigation during dry spells
Troubleshooting
No flowers? Likely due to too much shade, overfeeding, or incorrect pruning.
Yellow leaves? Check for poor drainage or excessive nutrients.
Dieback? May indicate fungal disease — prune affected parts and improve airflow.
Leggy growth? Increase sun exposure and tip-prune regularly.
Summary
With their incredible variety, tough nature, and stunning blooms, Grevilleas are among the best low-maintenance plants you can grow in Australia. Whether you’re creating a native garden, attracting birds, or simply after a show-stopper shrub, varieties like ‘Arieties’, ‘Robyn Gordon’, ‘Ned Kelly’, ‘Lemon Baby’, and ‘Soopa Dooppa’ offer year-round colour, structure, and beauty with minimal fuss.
