Jester Grevillea

Jester Grevillea (Grevillea 'Jester') is a fast-growing native shrub reaching 2m to 3m tall and 3m to 4m wide, with fine, slender green leaves and bright tangerine-orange-red flowers. The main flush comes in spring, and in warm climates more blooms follow through the year. It suits a light screen or open hedge, and honeyeaters visit it over a long season.

Why you'll love it

• A long flowering season. Spring is the peak, with further flowers appearing on and off through the year in warmer gardens.
• Fast growth. It fills out quickly, so a screen or hedge comes together sooner than with slower natives.
• A bird favourite. The nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, and the shrub gives them somewhere to shelter.
• A faint scent. The flowers are lightly scented, though how much you notice depends on your nose.
• Tough once settled. It tolerates moderate drought and frost once established.

Where it works best

Light screens and open hedges. Plant 1.5m apart in a single row. The wide spread means the plants overlap within a few seasons, giving a loose, flowering screen rather than a tight wall.

Wildlife gardens. A long-flowering, bird-feeding shrub like this forms the backbone of a native bird garden.

Mixed shrub borders. At up to 4m wide it needs space, so use it at the back of larger beds.

Growing Jester Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It tolerates moderate drought and frost once established. In warm climates it flowers repeatedly through the year, while in cooler gardens expect the main flush in spring.

Soil. Well drained soil is the one firm requirement. Raise the bed or plant on a mound if your soil is heavy.

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

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote more flowers and a dense habit. It responds well to light, regular trimming.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Jester Grevillea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small young plant that grows quickly once the soil is warm. A tube is an economical way to plant a long screen, and it catches up fast. The tube is grown for us by our grower, who does not always have stock. It shows as sold out when there is none, and the notify button on the page emails you 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
• Shrubs for privacy
• Bird-attracting plants
• Grevillea care guide

Common questions

When does Jester flower?

The main flush is in spring. In warmer climates it also produces flowers intermittently through the rest of the year.

Is Jester scented?

Faintly. The flowers are lightly scented, but it is not a plant to buy for its fragrance.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 1.5m apart for a light screen or open hedge. It spreads 3m to 4m, so wider gaps give a more individual, billowing shape.