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, maintenance 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 happy on low water 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. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
