Grevilleas are hardy, evergreen Australian native shrubs, ground covers and trees, grown for spidery nectar-rich flowers that attract honeyeaters and other birds. They suit Sydney gardens with full sun and free-draining soil, from sandy coastal blocks to sunny clay beds that are mounded for drainage.
This guide covers grevillea types and varieties, where to plant them, care, pruning, hedges, common problems and the safety points to know.
Key points
- Grevilleas range from low ground covers to large trees, so always check the mature size on the plant label (indicative — check the plant label).
- Most want full sun and free-draining soil, and they cope with dry spells once established.
- Maintenance is low: a light prune after flowering and a native-plant fertiliser are usually enough.
- Some grevilleas are sensitive to phosphorus, and a few, such as silky oak, can irritate skin, so wear gloves and check the label.
Grevilleas at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Grevillea, a large genus with hundreds of species and hybrids |
| Type | Evergreen shrubs, ground covers and trees |
| Mature size | Varies widely from prostrate to tall (indicative — check the plant label) |
| Sun | Full sun for best flowering; some tolerate light shade |
| Soil | Free-draining, from sandy to mounded clay |
| Water | Regular while establishing, then low to moderate |
| Frost tolerance | Varies by species, so check the label for your suburb |
| Flowering | Often winter to spring, with some flowering most of the year (indicative — varies by variety) |
| Native? | Yes, native grevillea species come from across Australia |
The name is often misspelled as grevilia, grevillia, grevilla, grevellia or gravillea, but nurseries label all of them as grevilleas, so search the botanical name when you shop.
Grevillea varieties in Australia
With so many grevilleas on sale, it helps to sort them by use. Always check the label for height, spread and frost tolerance.
| Variety or type | Size | Best use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peaches and Cream grevillea | Medium shrub (indicative — check the plant label) | Feature plant, mixed borders | Soft pink and cream flowers that suit cottage-style native gardens. |
| Grevillea Bulli Princess | Shrub (indicative — check the plant label) | Borders and cottage gardens | Check the label for habit and flower colour, as growers differ. |
| Grevillea Superb hedge | Medium to tall (indicative — check the plant label) | Hedge or screen | Dense growth that responds to regular light trimming. |
| Spider grevillea | Small to medium (indicative — check the plant label) | Feature plant, bird gardens | Fine, spidery flowers that attract nectar-eating birds. |
| Ground cover grevilleas | Low and spreading (indicative — check the plant label) | Slopes, banks and under-planting | Good for weed suppression and erosion control. |
| Grevillea trees | Tall (indicative — check the plant label) | Large blocks and shade | Check council tree rules before removing or pruning large specimens. |
For more flowering shrub ideas, see our types of flower guide and the bottlebrush guide, another bird-attracting Australian native.
Where to plant grevilleas in Sydney
- Choose a full-sun spot with good air movement, because shade and humidity reduce flowering and encourage fungal problems.
- On heavy clay in western Sydney, plant on a mound or raised bed so water drains away from the roots.
- On sandy coastal soils, mulch well and water through the first summer, as sandy soil dries out fast.
- Allow room for the full spread listed on the label (indicative — check the plant label), and keep it clear of paths and pipes.
- In pots, use a native potting mix with drainage holes, and choose a compact grevillea.
- Pair grevilleas with other natives such as a bottlebrush, or contrast them with the succulent form of a desert rose in a pot.
How to plant grevilleas
- Plant in autumn or early spring, when mild weather helps roots settle before summer heat.
- Water the pot well, then dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
- Gently loosen circling roots, being careful not to damage them, as natives dislike root disturbance.
- Set the plant level with the soil surface and backfill with the original soil, avoiding rich compost or fertiliser in the hole.
- Water slowly to settle the soil, then spread organic mulch around the plant, keeping it clear of the stem.
- Water deeply and regularly through the first summer, before 10 am or after 4 pm, using a hose with a trigger nozzle.
Caring for grevilleas through the year
| Task | When | How |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Spring to autumn | Water deeply but not often once established, and follow Sydney Water Wise Guidelines. |
| Feeding | Early spring | Use a fertiliser labelled for native plants with low phosphorus, and follow the label rate. |
| Mulching | Autumn or spring | Add a layer of organic mulch to hold moisture and suppress weeds. |
| Pruning | After flowering | Tip-prune lightly to keep a dense shape and encourage new flowering growth. |
| Weeding | All year | Hand weed around the base, and avoid spraying near native roots. |
| Pest and disease watch | Warm, humid months | Check for sap-sucking insects and root rot, and see a pest controller if pests spread. |
Pruning grevilleas and using them as a hedge
- Prune soon after the main flush of flowers so you do not remove next season’s buds.
- Take off no more than the soft green growth at the tips, because many grevilleas do not reshoot well from old bare wood.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves, as some grevilleas can cause skin irritation and the foliage can be sharp.
- For a grevillea Superb hedge, trim lightly and regularly, keeping the base slightly wider than the top so the lower growth gets light.
- Avoid cutting into leafless woody stems on a grevillea hedge, because they may not recover.
- Leave work above head height, near power lines or on large grevillea trees to a qualified arborist.
A small hedge trim in Sydney typically costs $69 to $205 per job, about $115 on average, including GST (October 2026).
Common grevilleas problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Poor drainage, overwatering or too much phosphorus | Improve drainage, cut back watering and use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. |
| Few or no flowers | Too much shade or heavy pruning | Move or thin shade, and prune only lightly after flowering. |
| Sudden dieback | Root rot in wet soil | Check drainage, avoid planting in low spots and replace if the roots are rotten. |
| Sticky leaves or sooty coating | Sap-sucking insects | Book a licensed pest controller if the problem spreads. |
| Leggy growth | Not enough light or no tip pruning | Tip prune after flowering and give it more sun. |
| Spreading where it is not wanted | Seedlings or suckering species | Remove seedlings early and check how fast the variety spreads before you buy. |
Check your council’s tree rules before removing a large grevillea tree, because protection can apply above a set size or for listed species. Contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline if a pet chews any garden plant.
FAQ: grevilleas
Are grevilleas native to Australia?
Yes. Grevillea is a large genus native to Australia, with species found in almost every region. Some hybrids are bred for gardens, but they come from native parents. Check the label for the species or cultivar, because size, frost tolerance and flowering time vary a lot.
What is the best grevillea hedge?
Grevillea Superb is a popular hedge choice because it grows dense and responds well to light trimming. Compare the mature height and spread on the label, trim lightly after flowering and avoid cutting into bare old wood. Check which variety suits your frost and sun conditions.
Are there ground cover grevilleas?
Yes. Several grevilleas grow low and spread, which suits slopes, banks and under-planting. They help suppress weeds and hold soil. Pick a variety that suits your sun, soil and drainage, and check the label for how wide it will spread before you plant.
When should you prune grevilleas?
Prune soon after the main flowering period, taking only light tip growth. Many grevilleas do not reshoot well from old, bare wood, so avoid hard cuts. Wear gloves and eye protection, and book an arborist for tall trees or any work near power lines.
Getting help with your grevilleas in Sydney
If you would rather someone else did the pruning and hedge trimming, we can look after your garden on a regular visit. Read our types of flower guide for more planting ideas, or book garden maintenance in Sydney for a free quote.
