Ivanhoe Grevillea

Ivanhoe Grevillea (Grevillea x caleyi 'Ivanhoe') is a vigorous native shrub that reaches about 3m high and 3m to 5m wide. Deeply toothed leaves flush copper-brown with each burst of new growth, and purple-red brush flowers appear from spring through to autumn. It grows fast, feeds birds, and makes an informal hedge or screen, particularly in cooler southern and inland gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Fast growth. It is a vigorous shrub that fills a space quickly and reaches screening height fast.
• A long flowering season. Purple-red brushes appear from spring through to autumn, a long season by any measure.
• Copper-toned new growth. The toothed leaves flush copper-brown, so the plant looks good even between flowers.
• A wildlife garden staple. The flowers attract birds, and the dense shrub offers shelter.
• Handy for cut foliage. The long, branching stems are grown for cutting.

Where it works best

Informal hedges and screens. Plant 2m apart in a single row. It is wide-spreading, so this spacing joins up within a few seasons and gives a full, flowering screen.

Wildlife gardens. Plant it as the tall, bird-attracting backbone of a native bed, with smaller shrubs in front.

Large cool-climate gardens. In southern and inland gardens, where many warmth-loving grevilleas struggle, it grows with little fuss.

Growing Ivanhoe Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for maximum flowering, though it will also grow in part shade. It is very suitable for southern and inland areas where it is cooler, and it is reasonably frost hardy. It also tolerates humidity, so hinterland gardens further north can grow it too.

Soil. Plant in well drained soil. Avoid sites where water collects, and mulch to keep the roots cool.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, which usually takes around 12 weeks. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser when buds form, with phosphorus under 3 per cent.

Pruning. Prune to control growth if needed. Because it is vigorous, a light shaping after flowering keeps it tidy and stops the lower branches from sprawling.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Ivanhoe Grevillea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small young plant that puts on growth quickly in warm weather. Its branches start upright, then spread towards the horizontal as it matures. Our grower does not always have tube stock to send. When the tube reads sold out, the notify button on the page will email you the day it is available again.

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
• Hedging and screening plants
• Plants for cool climates
• Grevillea care guide

Common questions

How far apart should I plant Ivanhoe for a screen?

Plant 2m apart in a single row. It spreads 3m to 5m wide, so closer planting only crowds the stems.

Is Ivanhoe frost hardy?

It is reasonably frost hardy, and it is best suited to cooler southern and inland gardens.

What is it related to?

The name marks it as a Grevillea caleyi hybrid, and caleyi is endangered in the wild north of Sydney. Ivanhoe itself is an easy, adaptable garden plant.