What You Need to Know About Grevillea (Grevillea spp.) in Your Landscape
Grevilleas are prized for their stunning flowers, fast growth, and ability to attract native wildlife. They are one of the most diverse and popular native plants in South-East Queensland gardens. Ranging from compact shrubs to large trees, Grevilleas are ideal for residential gardens, acreage properties, and biodiversity-focused landscapes.
With their adaptability to a variety of conditions, these hardy natives are a fantastic choice for enhancing both beauty and ecological function in your property.
Why Grevillea Trees Are a Great Choice for Backyard Gardens and Large Landscapes
Grevilleas offer a range of benefits for landscapes of all sizes. Their key advantages include:
Wildlife attraction – Nectar-rich flowers support bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds such as honeyeaters and lorikeets.
Low maintenance – Once established, they require minimal care and can thrive in challenging conditions.
Fast-growing – Many species establish quickly, making them useful for windbreaks, screens, and erosion control.
Drought and frost tolerance – Well-suited to Queensland’s variable climate, from coastal areas to inland regions.
Versatility – Available in a wide range of forms, from ground covers to large shade trees.
Year-round flowering – Many Grevillea species bloom throughout the year, adding continuous colour to your landscape.
Excellent for poor soils – Grevilleas can tolerate sandy, rocky, and low-nutrient soils where other plants struggle.
Choosing the Right Grevillea for Your Property
There are numerous Grevillea species and cultivars, each suited to different landscape applications. The below list of Grevillea shrubs and trees may not be suitable for your property or your context. Make sure you check in with your local nursery or an experienced gardener to help select which Grevillea variety will suit your goals and garden!
For Small Gardens and Hedges
Grevillea ‘Superb’ – A medium shrub with bright orange-pink flowers that bloom year-round.
Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ – One of the most popular varieties, featuring deep red flowers and compact growth.
Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’ – A taller variety with golden flowers, perfect for attracting birds.
Grevillea ‘Peaches and Cream’ – A compact hybrid with soft apricot and cream-coloured flowers, ideal for hedging.
For Larger Properties and Windbreaks
Grevillea robusta (Silky Oak) – A fast-growing tree that provides shade and valuable timber.
Grevillea banksii (Red Silky Oak) – A large, striking shrub with deep red flowers.
Grevillea ‘Moonlight’ – A tall, upright grevillea with soft cream-coloured flowers, excellent for screening.
Grevillea ‘Misty Pink’ – A dense, bushy tree with soft pink flowers, suited to large gardens.
How to Plant and Manage Grevillea Trees
Establishment
To give your Grevillea the best start:
Site Selection – Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Planting – Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, backfill with good quality organic soil, and water deeply.
Mulching – Helps retain moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes. We love using a 75-100mm layer of aged forest mulch as its cheap and rich in organic matter.
Spacing Considerations – Ensure enough space between Grevillea species to allow air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Ongoing Maintenance
Pruning – Light pruning after flowering encourages a denser habit and extended blooming periods.
Watering – Regular watering during establishment; highly drought-tolerant once mature.
Fertilising – Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser to support healthy growth without damaging roots.
Pest Management – Keep an eye out for scale insects and caterpillars, which can occasionally feed on Grevilleas.
Common Issues with Grevilleas
Phosphorus Sensitivity
Grevilleas, like many Australian natives, are highly sensitive to high-phosphorus fertilisers. Always use a native-specific formula to avoid root damage.
Leggy Growth
Some Grevilleas can become sparse and leggy if not pruned regularly. Light trimming after flowering helps maintain a compact shape. Don’t be afraid to prune your Grevillea heavily in height - it’ll grow back! Just be sure to check if your variety is grafted. If so, be sure not to cut below the graft union otherwise what will grow back is the rootstock and not the grafted variety.
Root Rot in Poor Drainage
These plants prefer well-drained soils. If planted in heavy clay or overly wet conditions, root rot can become an issue. Improving drainage and planting in raised beds can help prevent this.
Fungal Diseases
Grevilleas in humid conditions may be susceptible to fungal infections like sooty mould or rust. Ensuring good airflow around plants and avoiding overhead watering can help reduce fungal problems. You can improve the air circulatuion through your Grevillea by pruning any branches that are growing towards the centre trunk or crossing over each other.
Integrating Grevilleas Into Your Landscape
Grevilleas are a versatile and practical addition to any landscape, whether used for screening, attracting wildlife, or as feature plants in a naturalistic garden. Their ability to thrive in Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate makes them an ideal choice for enhancing biodiversity while maintaining a low-maintenance landscape. These hardy trees and shrubs can be integrated into native gardens, erosion control projects, and regenerative landscapes.
For large-scale planting, consider combining Grevilleas with other native species like Callistemon (Bottlebrush) and Banksia to create a diverse, wildlife-friendly environment. If you’re interested in planting Grevilleas in high-traffic areas, select compact or weeping varieties that require minimal maintenance while still providing an abundance of flowers.
If you're considering planting Grevilleas on your property and need expert advice on species selection, planting strategies, or long-term care, Cambium Land Management can help. Contact us to discuss how native species like Grevillea can enhance your landscape.
