Grevillea Species – Types, Varieties and Growing Guide

Grevillea species are a diverse group of Australian native plants, ranging from low growing groundcovers through to large trees. Known for their distinctive spider-like flowers and ability to attract birds, they are among the most widely grown native plants in Australian gardens.

While Grevilleas are also found in New Guinea and New Caledonia, the vast majority available in nurseries are Australian species or hybrids developed in Australia.

With their combination of drought tolerance, long flowering periods, and adaptability, there is a grevillea suited to almost every garden situation.

Why Grow Grevilleas?

Grevilleas are popular for a number of reasons:

• Long flowering periods, often from winter through to spring
• Excellent for attracting birds and pollinators
• Drought tolerant once established
• Wide range of forms—from groundcovers to trees
• Suitable for hedging, screening, and feature planting

They are one of those reliable plants that provide both structure and seasonal colour.

Types of Grevillea

Grevilleas come in a wide range of forms, making them useful in many different garden situations.

Groundcover Grevilleas

Low growing and spreading, these are ideal for rockeries, embankments, and filling spaces.

Examples include:

• Grevillea lanigera forms
• Grevillea laurifolia
• Grevillea tenuiloba

Shrub Grevilleas

The most commonly grown group, suitable for general garden planting, screening, and informal hedging.

• Typically grow from 1–5 metres
• Dense and bird-attracting
• Good for mixed borders

Tree Grevilleas

Larger species that can be used as feature trees or for shade.

• Grevillea robusta (Silky Oak) – can reach 20–30 m
• Grevillea barklyana – medium-sized tree

Popular Grevillea Varieties

There are many cultivars available, each suited to different uses in the garden.

• ‘Robyn Gordon’ – One of the best known, long flowering and excellent for attracting birds
• ‘Honey Gem’ – A larger shrub, great for screening and wind protection
• ‘Moonlight’ – Creamy flowers and fast growing habit
• ‘Bronze Rambler’ – A popular groundcover with spreading growth
• ‘Loopy Lou’ – Long flowering with bright flowers
• ‘Ivory Whip’ – Soft coloured flowers and compact habit

New cultivars are released regularly, offering improvements in flower colour, growth habit, and disease resistance.

Best Grevilleas for Different Uses

Hedging and Screening

A number of grevilleas respond well to pruning and make excellent informal hedges.

• Grevillea rosmarinifolia.
• Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’
• Grevillea olivacea
• Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’

Groundcovers

For low maintenance coverage and erosion control:

• Grevillea lanigera ‘Mt Tamboritha’
• Grevillea plurijuga
• Grevillea tenuiloba

Tropical and Subtropical Areas

Some species are better suited to humid conditions:

• Grevillea banksii
• Grevillea baileyana
• Grevillea aurea
• Grevillea heliosperma
• Grevillea insignis

Weeping and Grafted Forms

Grafted grevilleas are becoming increasingly popular, particularly weeping standards created by grafting prostrate forms onto upright rootstock.

These offer:

• Improved disease resistance
• Unique forms for feature planting

Best Long Flowering Grevillea Varieties.

• Loopy Lou
• Billy Bonkers
• Ivory Whip
• Soopa Doopa
• Jester
• Honey Gem
• Bush Lemons
• Droopys Drawers

Growing Grevilleas – Conditions and Care

Grevilleas are generally easy to grow, provided a few key requirements are met.

☀️ Sun

Full sun is best for strong growth and good flowering.

🌿 Soil

Well-drained soil is essential. Many species will not tolerate heavy or waterlogged soils.

💧 Watering

Water regularly while establishing. Once established, most are drought tolerant, though occasional deep watering will improve flowering.

🌼 Fertiliser

Use low-phosphorus fertilisers designed for Australian native plants. Avoid overfeeding.

✂️ Pruning

Light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages bushier growth.

Grevillea Species – Different Forms

Grevillea come in many forms, from low growing ground cover types to large trees.

• Prostrate forms such as Grevillea lanigera ‘Prostrate Form’, Grevillea thelemanniana ‘Prostrate form’ and Grevillea obtusifolia ‘Prostrate form’.
• Bushy Shrubs – The most common garden form that will reach from 2  – 5 metres
• Trees of 8m and more such as Grevillea barklyana and Grevillea robusta or Silky-oak which will grow to almost 30m.

Bird and Wildlife Value

Grevilleas are well known for attracting nectar-feeding birds such as honeyeaters.

The flowers provide a valuable food source, while the dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites.

This makes them a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Common Problems

While generally hardy, grevilleas can be affected by a few issues:

• Poor drainage – leading to root rot and fungal problems
• Humidity – some species struggle in humid climates
• Fungal diseases – including sooty mould and leaf spot

Good drainage and air circulation will prevent most problems.

Grevillea species and varieties

You may also be interested in

• banksia
• waratah
• darwinia
• kunzea
• ptilotis
• native ground cover plants
• australian native plants guide

Grevilleas are available for sale online from the following growers and nurseries

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