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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Rosemary Grevillea performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
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. For most gardens, 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
Rosemary Grevillea sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to low water use and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered 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. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
