If you are looking for Grevillea that you can keep to a smaller size, then consider some of the naturally lower growing or ‘Dwarf’ varieties. Bronze Rambler is one to consider, this is a hybrid.
Grevillea laurifolia is another and this is one of the parents of the popular Grevillea ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle’.
Many of these low growing types require very little pruning and will spread to form a dense ground cover. Some will reach less than .3 metres in height, some will spread to reach over 4 metres across, others are more compact.
Low Growing Grevillea lanigera ‘Kangarutha’ is from coastal areas around Tathra in NSW, difficult to find however well worth seeking out.
Like many of the genus these lower growing types flower over a long period, grow well in full sun to a little shade and are drought tolerant once established.
All will attract bees and birds to the garden and are regarded as being reasonably drought tolerant.
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Grevillea spp.
- Plant Type: Evergreen Australian native shrub
- Height: 20cm to 1 metre
- Spread: 1 to 6 metres depending on variety
- Position: Full sun to light shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Flowers: Long flowering season, often from autumn through spring
- Water Needs: Low once established
- Best Uses: Ground cover, retaining walls, rockeries, slopes, native gardens and erosion control
- Wildlife: Excellent for attracting birds, bees and other beneficial pollinators
Landscaping Uses
Low-growing grevilleas are among the most useful Australian native plants for landscaping. They are ideal for planting on banks and slopes where they help reduce weed growth and stabilise the soil. They also look attractive spilling over retaining walls, edging pathways, filling sunny garden beds and softening the edges of rockeries.
These hardy plants combine well with other Australian natives and are equally at home in coastal gardens, wildlife gardens and low-maintenance landscapes.
- As a ground cover
- For erosion control
- To attract bees, nectar seeking birds to the garden.
- As protective habitat for small lizards and birds.
Growing Conditions
Like many grevilleas, these lower-growing forms flower over an extended period and perform best in full sun, although many will also tolerate light shade. Once established they are drought tolerant, making them an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
Well-drained soil is important, as grevilleas generally dislike wet feet. Improving drainage before planting will help ensure healthy, vigorous growth.
Maintenance and Pruning
One of the attractions of low-growing grevilleas is how little maintenance they require. An occasional light trim after flowering helps maintain a dense habit and encourages more flowering. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed, but avoid hard pruning into old bare wood where little new growth is likely to develop.
Once established, these plants require only occasional watering during extended dry periods.
Like most grevilleas, these low-growing varieties are excellent plants for attracting nectar-feeding birds, native bees and other beneficial insects, making them a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.
List of Low Growing Grevillea
- Grevillea ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle’
- Grevillea crithmifolia ‘Prostrate form’
- Grevillea lanigera ‘Mt Tamboritha Form’
- Grevillea acropogon
- Grevillea baueri
- Grevillea bipinnatifida or ‘Fuchsia grevillea’
- Grevillea ‘Forest Rambler’
- Grevillea hirtella
- Grevillea liliane
- Grevillea maccutcheonii
- Grevillea ‘Mallee Sensation’
- Grevillea ‘Seaspray’
- Grevillea thelemanniana Red Rambler
- Grevillea umbellulata
- Grevillea crithmifolia Prostrate
- Grevillea juniperina Prostrate
- Grevillea obtusifolia prostrate
- Grevillea lanigera ‘Prostrate’ (Prostrate Woolly Grevillea)