With their resilient nature and unique blooms, Grevillea brings a warm touch to any garden. These delightful blooms, often adored by birds and bees, add a cheerful burst of colour and a sweet fragrance to your outdoor space.
Planting Calendar
The best planting time for Grevillea is from March through to October.
Prepare
The grevillea's popularity comes from their willingness to flower and flower and flower. They come in an array of different colours, from pink and red, to yellow, cream and orange. They also come in a variety of sizes, including ground covers, small to medium shrubs, and some trees can even grow up to 15 metres.
Position
Grevilleas love full sun and because they don't like wet feet they need free draining soil. Dry conditions and long periods without rain will not trouble them.
Soil
Free draining soil rich in organic matter, such as compost and sheep pellets.
Pollination
Grevillea flowers are pollinated by birds and bees.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Water in well at the time of planting but once established, additional water will only be required in very dry periods.
Feeding
Grevilleas do not require much in the way of fertiliser and dislike phosphates. Feed only annually with a controlled release fertiliser low in phosphorous.
Protecting
Protect from fungal root problems by ensuring that the soil drains freely.
Spraying
If scale or caterpillar are a problem spray with BioNeem.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Grevilleas is recommended to maintain bushiness and encourage additional flowering. Prune after flowering period by removing any dead or non-productive wood back to a main branch or the trunk as required.
Beginner Tip
Grevillea flowers all contain nectar so are perfect to grow in a wildlife garden, attracting both bees and birds. Tui, bellbirds and wax eyes love the larger ‘toothbrush’ shaped flowers, and honeybees will happily attend to the smaller ‘spider’ shaped flowers.
Expert Tip
Like many other species of the Protea family, Grevillea has a unique root system with tight groupings of tiny roots enabling the plant to absorb nutrients speedily. So, in cultivation, fertilization adversely affects the Grevillea, especially fertilizer high in phosphorus. Burnt leaves are a common indication of phosphorous toxicity. Unfortunately, phosphorous toxicity is fatal to Grevillea and often does not show symptoms until it’s too late. Excess phosphorous can lead to poisoning in a Grevillea, causing it to die. Therefore, consider fertilizing Grevillea with low-phosphorus and slow-release fertilizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Grevillea?
Water in well at the time of planting but once established, additional water will only be required in very dry periods.
When is the best time to prune Grevillea?
Regular pruning of Grevilleas is recommended to maintain bushiness and encourage additional flowering. Prune after flowering period by removing any dead or non-productive wood back to a main branch or the trunk as required.
How can I protect Grevillea from pests and diseases?
Grevillea is generally pest and disease-resistant. Watch for aphids, scale, and root rot. Use insecticidal soap for pests and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Is Grevillea safe for pets?
Grevillea is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for gardens with cats and dogs.
How tall and wide does Grevillea grow?
Grevillea size varies by species. Some dwarf varieties grow to 1 metre, while larger species can reach up to 4 metres tall and wide.