A hardy prickly-foliaged shrub resembling rosemary, flushing red-and-cream spider flowers through autumn, winter and spring. Excellent dense habitat and screening for small birds.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Rosemary Grevillea
Grevillea rosmarinifolia is a moderate-growing shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to New South Wales and Victoria. It reaches around 2 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red, pink and cream green flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Rosemary Grevillea
Rosemary Grevillea suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Rosemary Grevillea does best in free-draining, loamy and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Rosemary Grevillea is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Rosemary Grevillea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Rosemary Grevillea in the garden
Rosemary Grevillea earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a fast screen or informal hedge and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Rosemary Grevillea with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is thorny — useful as a barrier, but wear gloves when pruning.
Buying Rosemary Grevillea
Plant Sale lists Rosemary Grevillea as tube stock and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.