shrub

Rosemary Grevillea

Grevillea rosmarinifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea rosmarinifolia, the rosemary grevillea, is an evergreen Australian shrub growing up to two metres tall, with narrow, linear leaves that resemble rosemary and have strongly rolled-under margins. The flowers lack true petals, presenting instead as short, terminal clusters of pink to red perianths that bloom primarily from winter through spring.

This species is highly adaptable to well-drained soils and exhibits high drought tolerance once established. The dense, needle-like foliage provides protective nesting habitat for small native birds while the nectar-rich flowers support honeyeaters and native bees.

Uses & Benefits:

Features fine, rosemary-like foliage and clusters of pinkish-red flowers that provide winter colour.

Acts as an effective windbreak, soil binder on slopes, and low-maintenance barrier plant.

Provides abundant nectar for honeyeaters and bees, and dense nesting cover for small birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

South-eastern Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with sharply draining sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic compost or standard fertilisers, then water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a coarse, organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Never apply standard garden fertilisers containing phosphorus, which quickly poisons the specialised proteoid roots of this species; use only low-phosphorus native formulations.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the spring flowering flush to maintain a compact, bushy habit.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot pathogens from establishing.
Wear gloves when handling the foliage to avoid contact dermatitis.

Don't

Do not cut back hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant lacks dormant buds to regenerate from bare stems.
Do not use general-purpose fertilisers containing phosphorus.
Do not overwater once established, particularly in heavy or slow-draining soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low informal hedgingBird-attracting gardensRockeries and dry banksCoastal windbreaks

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Correa reflexa Acacia cognata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rosemary Grevillea questions

What zones can Rosemary Grevillea grow in?

Rosemary Grevillea is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Rosemary Grevillea bloom?

Rosemary Grevillea typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Rosemary Grevillea need full sun?

Rosemary Grevillea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Rosemary Grevillea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Rosemary Grevillea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.