Grevillea

This groundcover grevillea, Grevillea x gaudichaudii, is a dense, scrambling native that grows only about 30cm high but spreads 2 to 3m wide. Deeply lobed, red-tipped leaves are topped by burgundy toothbrush flowers up to 10cm long in spring and summer. A natural hybrid from the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, it is a tough choice for banks, rockeries and weed control.

Why you'll love it

• Dense, weed suppressing cover. Long arching stems knit into a thick mat that shades out most weeds.
• Handsome foliage. Deeply lobed leaves flush soft red and mature to green, so the plant is colourful between flowers.
• Big burgundy flowers. Toothbrush flowers up to 10cm long appear in spring and summer, rich in nectar.
• Frost tolerant. It copes with frost, which suits southern and upland gardens.
• Binds a bank. Trailing stems hold soil, so it is useful on embankments and steep slopes.

Where it works best

Embankments and slopes. Plant 1.5m apart across a bank. The stems trail down the slope and the plants meet within a few seasons, which stabilises the soil.

Rockeries and retaining walls. Let it spill over rocks and the tops of walls, where the arching stems soften hard edges.

Weed control. Use it as a ground-level weed suppressant in sunny, difficult areas where mowing is awkward.

Growing Grevillea x gaudichaudii in Australia

Position and climate. Choose full sun to part shade. It is tolerant of frost, as you would expect of a plant from the Blue Mountains, and it suits temperate and Mediterranean gardens in particular.

Soil. Plant in well drained soil. It is a good choice for banks where drainage is natural.

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. Prune after flowering to encourage dense growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Grevillea x gaudichaudii as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant with only a few short stems, and its spread builds over the first seasons. Plant it with room to scramble, and mulch the gaps until it closes.

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
• Rockery plants
• Grevillea care guide

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

About 1.5m apart. Each plant spreads 2 to 3m, so the gaps close over a few seasons, and mulch in between keeps weeds out meanwhile.

How tall does it get?

Only about 30cm high. It is a low scrambling groundcover that grows outwards rather than up.

When does it flower?

In spring and summer, with burgundy toothbrush flowers that can be up to 10cm long.