Grevilleas are a quintessential part of Australian gardens, loved for their vibrant flowers, resilience, and the way they invite native birds and pollinators. With over 300 species to choose from, these evergreen shrubs and trees offer year-round interest and a wide variety of colours and shapes. Whether you're after a ground cover for a sunny spot, a privacy screen, or a statement shrub, there's a grevillea to suit your needs. From the tall and elegant grevillea robusta to compact varieties perfect for suburban yards, this article explores the top 10 grevilleas that thrive in Australian conditions. Discover which ones will best complement your garden and how they can bring both beauty and biodiversity to your outdoor space.
Robyn Gordon – A Garden Classic
One of the most widely planted grevilleas in Australia, grevillea robyn gordon, is beloved for its reliability and stunning appearance. This small shrub grows to around 1.5 metres and produces bold red flowers throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for constant colour.
It’s ideal for attracting nectar-feeding birds such as lorikeets and honeyeaters. The foliage is fine and slightly fern-like, adding a soft texture to garden beds. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, though it can handle light shade.
Gardeners love this variety not just for its beauty, but also for its low maintenance. With occasional pruning and a bit of mulch, Robyn Gordon will reward you with endless blossoms and lively bird visits all year round.
Superb Screening with Banks Grevillea
For those seeking a fast-growing screening plant or hedge with a visual punch, banks grevillea is a top contender. This medium-sized shrub can reach heights of up to 3 metres and produces masses of pink and cream flowers.
Its upright growth habit makes it ideal for privacy planting or to line fences. The flowers bloom most of the year, offering both aesthetic value and an important food source for wildlife.
It’s drought-tolerant once established, thrives in full sun, and doesn’t mind the occasional dry spell, making it perfect for Australian climates. With minimal care, you can enjoy a thick, vibrant screen that looks good and supports the local ecosystem.
A Royal Touch: Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea
Compact and full of charm, bonnie prince charlie grevillea is a delightful choice for smaller gardens or pots. It typically grows up to one metre tall, with bright red and yellow flowers that resemble little torches.
Despite its size, this variety is a real attention-grabber. It flowers heavily from autumn through spring, bringing welcome colour when many other plants are resting. The plant’s tidy shape and compact growth make it suitable for edging, low hedges, or container gardening.
It’s incredibly hardy and thrives in most Australian soil types. Just plant it in a sunny spot and water occasionally during dry periods. Bonnie Prince Charlie is proof that good things come in small packages.
Groundcover and Low-Growing Varieties
Not all grevillea are tall and bushy. Many gardeners love the trailing and ground-hugging varieties that are ideal for erosion control, sloped gardens, or creating a soft border.
Grevillea ‘Bronze Rambler’ and ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle’ are two excellent groundcovers. They spread widely and offer stunning, carpet-like displays of reddish flowers. These types suppress weeds effectively and are excellent for covering bare patches quickly.
They’re also tough as nails – drought-tolerant, frost-resistant, and happy in coastal regions. Their prostrate growth helps retain soil moisture and protect the soil from extreme sun exposure. With just occasional pruning to shape and rejuvenate, these grevilleas stay neat and healthy year-round.
Large and Statement-Making Grevilleas
For those wanting a showstopper, tall grevilleas such as ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Honey Gem’ can grow up to 4 metres, creating a bold feature in any garden. Their towering form, combined with large, luminous flowers, makes them a favourite for background planting or filling large spaces.
These varieties are especially suited to acreage gardens or large suburban blocks. Their height and dense growth also make them ideal for windbreaks or privacy screens.
Despite their size, they’re low maintenance and perform well in poor soils. They just need plenty of sun, the occasional feed with native plant fertiliser, and light pruning to shape. These giants offer year-round drama, and support an incredible array of birdlife.
Transform your outdoor space with the stunning beauty and resilience of grevilleas. Whether you're after a bold feature plant or a charming compact variety, these Australian natives have something for every garden style. For expert advice and a wide selection of quality grevilleas delivered to your door, contact Online Plants today on 0394241946 or email us at store@onlineplants.com.au. Let us help you bring your dream garden to life!