Grevillea victoriae

royal grevillea

Outstanding Qualities Are you looking for something different? Royal grevillea is definitely a conversation piece in the garden. This large, broadleaf evergreen shrub produces unusual pendant clusters of beak-like red-orange buds that hang on the plant from fall through winter. In late winter through early summer the clusters open revealing red-orange honeysuckle-like blooms. Sporadic flowers can appear almost year round and are very attractive to hummingbirds. Native to southeast Australia this is the hardiest member of the grevilleas. It is fast growing and young plants will grow up to one foot per year. Once established it is remarkably drought tolerant. Ornamental grasses look great with its green dusted-gray foliage. The dusky purple leaves of Rosa glauca or the spiny bold foliage and fragrant yellow flowers of Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ would create an interesting textural play.
Culture Plant in well drained soil with exposure to full sun, royal grevillea will not tolerate wet feet. Once it has settled in it rarely requires fertilizer. Occasional pruning can keep a fuller look, but is generally unnecessary.
Growing Habit This large, broadleaf evergreen shrub can reach 8 to 10 feet tall and the same in width in ten years. The foliage is fairly dense and provides good coverage of its rounded form.
Hardiness USDA zones 7 to 10
Plant image
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks