Robyn Gordon Grevillea

Robyn Gordon Grevillea (Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon') is the native shrub that flowers almost every week of the year. It grows to about 1.5m tall and spreads wider than it stands, close to 2.5m, so it fills a bed rather than climbing out of it. Deep red toothbrush flowers sit on the outside of finely divided foliage where honeyeaters can reach them.

Why you'll love it

• It flowers nearly year round. Peak flushes come in the cooler months, but red flowers appear on and off through every season.
• Honeyeaters find it fast. The nectar sits at the surface of the bush, so small nectar feeding birds arrive quickly.
• Low water once established. Drought and heat tolerant, it holds up through a dry summer on far less water than an exotic shrub.
• It does not need good soil. Poor soil tolerant and comfortable on sandy or gravelly ground where richer plantings sulk.
• Wide, low and easy. At 1.5m by 2.5m it covers ground without blocking a view, which suits a small garden.

Where it works best

Feature planting. One plant anchors a native bed or a front corner. Give it the full 2.5m of width it wants.

Mass planting. Plant 1.5m apart for a continuous run. The canopies knit into a low thicket that shades out weeds and gives birds cover.

Coastal and small gardens. It handles exposed warm coastal blocks and poor sandy soil, though keep it back from direct salt spray.

Growing Robyn Gordon Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, always, because shade thins the foliage and cuts flowering right back. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens and takes light frost only, so cold southern and tableland gardens are out.

Soil. Drainage matters more than fertility, so sandy and gravelly ground is ideal. On clay, plant on a raised mound and skip heavy compost in the backfill.

Water and feed. Water deeply once or twice a week through the first summer, then only in dry spells. Use a low phosphorus native fertiliser, because standard ones can kill it.

Pruning. Tip prune lightly after each flush and avoid cutting into bare old wood. The foliage irritates sensitive skin, so wear long sleeves and gloves.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in four sizes: tube stock, 140mm pots in packs of ten, 200mm pots in packs of six, and single 300mm pots. Tubes and 140mm plants are young single stems, the value choice for a mass planting because grevilleas establish quickly from small sizes. A 300mm pot gives a branched shrub with presence on day one.

The fine tough foliage travels well, though some leaf drop in transit is normal. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Water in well, keep it damp for six weeks, then back off. Expect first flowers within the first season, backed by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Native plants that bring birds into the garden
• Browse the full grevillea range
• Compare Australian native shrubs
• More bird attracting plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

One and a half metres apart for a continuous mass planting. It finishes wider than it is tall, so a single specimen needs about 2.5m of clear space.

Can I use normal garden fertiliser on it?

No. Like most grevilleas it is sensitive to phosphorus, and a standard complete fertiliser can kill an established plant. Use one formulated for Australian natives.

Why is mine dying back suddenly?

Sudden collapse in grevilleas is almost always root rot from wet, heavy or over enriched soil. Plant on a mound, keep mulch off the stem, and do not water on a schedule.