Flat Jack Grevillea

Flat Jack Grevillea (Grevillea curviloba 'Flat Jack') is a low, wide native shrub that stays about 50cm high and spreads as far as 4m. Its fine, ferny, sharp-pointed leaves look nothing like a typical grevillea, and clusters of honey-scented white flowers cover it in winter and spring. It is a tough, wildlife-friendly groundcover for dry soil, slopes and coastal sites.

Why you'll love it

• Scented winter flowers. Small white, curled, four-petalled flowers open in clusters in winter and spring, with a honey scent.
• A pollinator magnet. Native bees and small birds feed on the flowers at a time when little else is blooming.
• Tough in sun and dry soil. Once established it tolerates drought, light frost and full sun.
• Grows in shade under trees. It will grow under large trees, including gums, where many natives sulk.
• Quick to flower. It grows and flowers fast, so you see results without a long wait.

Where it works best

Slopes, banks and dry beds. Plant 2m apart. At that spacing the plants meet within a few seasons and cover the ground in a low, dense mat.

Coastal gardens. It suits coastal sites, where its low shape keeps it out of the worst of the wind.

Under trees. Use it beneath established trees where grass and most garden plants fail.

Sensory and wildlife gardens. Place it beside a path or seat, where the winter scent can be enjoyed at close range.

Growing Flat Jack Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers. It tolerates drought and light frost once established and copes with partial shade, including under trees. The species comes from Western Australia but grows happily in eastern gardens.

Soil. Prefers free draining soil. In heavier soils plant on a slope or low mound so water drains away from the roots.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks until established. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser when buds form, with phosphorus under 3 per cent, because grevilleas are phosphorus-sensitive.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote flowers, keep the plant dense, control spread and shape it if needed. The leaf tips are sharp, so wear gloves.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Flat Jack Grevillea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit covering a large area economically, while the 140mm pots give a head start on a smaller patch. Expect a small young plant that fills out quickly once it settles. Availability of the tube depends on our grower, who does not always have it ready. A sold out tube is simply waiting for the next batch, and the notify button on the page sends you an email the day it is back.

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 the full grevillea range
• Groundcover plants for sun and slopes
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Grevillea care guide

Common questions

Is Flat Jack really a grevillea?

Yes, though it does not look like one. The fine, ferny, sharp-pointed leaves and small white clustered flowers belong to Grevillea curviloba, a Western Australian species.

Will it grow under gum trees?

Yes. It is one of the natives that will grow in the shade beneath gums, though flowering is best where it gets some sun.

How wide does it get?

Up to about 4m across while staying around 50cm high, so plant 2m apart and allow room to spread. Pruning after flowering keeps it in shape.