Raptor Grevillea

Raptor Grevillea (Grevillea 'Raptor') is a fast growing groundcover grevillea that stays up to 30cm tall and spreads up to 1.5m wide. Long, slender, pointed leaves flush deep red and take on a bronze sheen in cooler months, and deep scarlet toothbrush flowers often arrive earlier in winter than those of other varieties. It binds slopes and fills gaps quickly.

Why you'll love it

• Fast, vigorous cover. It spreads quickly from a small plant, so slopes and bare ground fill in sooner.
• Bronze toned foliage. New growth is deep red and develops a bronze sheen as the weather cools.
• Early winter flowers. Deep scarlet toothbrush flowers often appear earlier in winter than on other groundcover grevilleas.
• Holds a bank. The low, spreading habit makes it useful for erosion control and for slopes and banks.
• Wildlife friendly. Nectar rich flowers attract bees and other wildlife.

Where it works best

Slopes and banks. Plant 1m apart across the slope. The plants knit together and mulch between them keeps weeds down until they meet.

Under larger shrubs and trees. It will fill the ground beneath taller plants in full sun to part shade.

Underplanting in native gardens. Use it as a bronze toned skirt beneath taller natives, where it will spill over edges and soften them.

Growing Raptor Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Choose full sun to part shade. It is reasonably drought tolerant and will likely come through a light frost once established, so it suits temperate gardens and the drier parts of the country.

Soil. Plant in well drained clay loams or sandy soil with a neutral to acid pH.

Water and feed. Water during the first 8 to 12 weeks until the plant is established. 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. Clip back to keep it in check if required.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Raptor Grevillea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, and because it is fast growing it covers ground quickly once settled. Plant it through mulch, water it through the first summer and leave room to spread.

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
• Groundcover plants
• Plants for retaining walls and banks
• Grevillea care guide

Common questions

How far apart should I plant Raptor?

About 1m apart across a slope or bed. Each plant spreads up to 1.5m, so mulch the gaps until they meet.

When does Raptor flower?

In winter and spring, often earlier in winter than other groundcover grevilleas, with deep scarlet toothbrush flowers.

Does it cope with frost and dry spells?

It is reasonably drought tolerant and will likely come through a light frost once established.