Zigzag Grevillea

Zigzag Grevillea (Grevillea flexuosa) is a rambling, arching native shrub from south west Western Australia, 1m to 2m tall and 2m to 4m wide. Its stiff, sharply pointed leaves are the first thing people notice, and honey-scented, sausage-shaped flowers open cream in early spring before ageing through lemon to gold. It is a character plant for gardeners who like a loose, wild shape.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers that change colour. Each flower opens cream, then deepens through lemon to a rich gold as it ages.
• A honey scent. The fragrant flowers make it a natural for sensory gardens beside paths and seats.
• It climbs through other plants. The stiff leaves work like hooks, so it scrambles up and through taller shrubs.
• Grafted for adaptability. It is grafted onto a more robust rootstock, so it grows in a wider range of soils than most Western Australian grevilleas.
• Useful for cutting. The distinctive foliage lasts well in floral arrangements.

Where it works best

Sensory and wildlife gardens. Plant it where the scent and the birds can be enjoyed. Plant 3m apart, since it sprawls.

Banks and slopes. It does best where rain can drain away, and a free-draining bank lets the arching stems spill naturally.

Through taller shrubs. Set it at the foot of a larger shrub or an open tree and let it clamber, which suits native and informal beds.

Growing Zigzag Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun brings the most flowers. Once established it tolerates dry periods and light overnight frost. It comes from the dry-summer climate of south west Western Australia, so it is happiest where summers are warm and dry. In humid gardens, drainage matters even more.

Soil. Free draining soil is preferred, so plant on a slope or bank if you can. Because it is grafted, it accepts a wider range of soils than ungrafted plants, but still avoid ground that stays wet. Remove any leaves or shoots that appear below the graft point.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks. It grows slowly at first until it finds its feet, so be patient through the first year. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser when buds form, with phosphorus under 3 per cent.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to encourage flowers and keep the plant dense. A hard prune every 3 to 4 years renews it, and you can cut it back whenever it reaches further than you would like.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Zigzag Grevillea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Zigzag is grafted, so the young stem has a graft point near the base, held with biodegradable tape that should dissolve on its own. Keep the graft point above the soil when you plant. 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
• More fragrant plants for the garden
• Australian native plants
• Grevillea care guide

Common questions

What does grafted mean for me?

The top of the plant is joined to a hardier rootstock, which lets it grow in a wider range of soils. Plant it with the graft point above the soil and remove any shoots that appear below it.

When does Zigzag flower?

From early spring. The flowers open cream and age through lemon to gold, so one plant shows several shades at once.

How big does it get?

Expect 1m to 2m tall and 2m to 4m wide, though it starts slowly. Give it room to ramble and prune it back when it grows beyond its space.