Dezire Grevillea

Dezire Grevillea (Grevillea lanigera 'Dezire') is a low, spreading native with small rosemary-like leaves covered in fine silvery down, growing to about 50cm high and 1m wide. Showy clusters of raspberry red and pale pink-white flowers appear from autumn to spring. It suits rockeries, banks, coastal gardens and large pots.

Why you'll love it

• Autumn to spring flowers. Raspberry red and pale pink-white clusters open over a long season, with colour through the winter months.
• Silvery foliage. Fine down on the small leaves gives the whole plant a soft grey sheen.
• Good for small honeyeaters. The curved, claw-like flowers are easy for little honeyeaters to feed from.
• Frost and dry tolerant. Once established it handles dry periods and frost, and it grows well at the coast.
• Container sized. At 50cm by 1m it suits rockeries, nature strips, bed edges and large pots.

Where it works best

Rockeries and embankments. Plant 80cm apart for a low drift. The spreading stems hang over rocks and soften banks.

Coastal gardens. It does well near the sea, so use it on exposed front gardens and cliff-top plantings.

Large pots. A single plant fills a wide pot and gives a compact flowering mound for a patio.

Bird watching spots. Plant it in the sight line of a favourite seat, where the honeyeaters can be enjoyed in comfort.

Growing Dezire Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Choose full sun to part shade. It tolerates dry periods and frost once established, and grows well at the coast. It is happier in dry climates than humid ones, so in humid gardens give it the sunniest, best drained spot.

Soil. Plant in well drained soil. Avoid wet mulch, because leaves resting on it can brown. A dry mulch such as pebbles or chunky bark avoids this, especially in humid climates.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser when buds form, and choose one with phosphorus under 3 per cent, because grevilleas are sensitive to phosphorus.

Pruning. Little pruning is needed. Trim lightly after flowering if you want to keep it compact.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Dezire Grevillea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small, silvery plant, so expect a season or two before it spreads to its full 1m width. Plant it in a sunny, well drained position and mulch with pebbles or chunky bark.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our grevilleas
• Rockery plants
• Plants for coastal areas
• Grevillea care guide

Common questions

Why are the leaves browning where they touch mulch?

Wet mulch can brown leaves that rest on it, especially in humid climates. Use a dry mulch such as pebbles or chunky bark.

Does it suit humid gardens?

It is happier in dry climates than humid ones. In humid areas, plant it in the sunniest, best drained spot and use a dry mulch.

Can I grow Dezire in a pot?

Yes. At 50cm high and 1m wide it is a good size for a large pot, and the birds will find it just as easily on a patio.