Species

1 other cultivar

‘Mt Tamboritha’Mt Tamboritha Grevillea

groundcover

Woolly Grevillea

Grevillea lanigera 'Coastal Gem'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea lanigera, the woolly grevillea, is an evergreen Australian shrub native to southeastern Australia, where it inhabits well-drained, gritty soils. The species is characterized by crowded, narrow grayish-green leaves covered in soft, downy hairs and clusters of spidery, pinkish-red and cream flowers.

'Coastal Gem' is a low-spreading, prostrate cultivar that forms a dense, mat-like groundcover reaching one foot tall and four feet wide. It produces its pink-and-cream flower clusters heavily from winter through spring, offering excellent salt tolerance in coastal gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, woolly, grayish-green carpet topped with unique pink-and-cream spidery flowers from winter to spring.

Suppresses weeds effectively once established and stabilizes soil on dry, sunny slopes.

Provides a critical winter and early spring nectar source for hummingbirds when few other plants are in bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptional, sharp drainage, such as a slope, raised bed, or sandy mound.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent rot.
Backfill with the native soil without adding organic amendments or fertilizers, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a minimal watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry completely between applications.

Pro Tip

Never apply fertilizers containing phosphorus or high potassium, as members of the Proteaceae family have specialized root systems that easily suffer from nutrient toxicity.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in sandy, gritty, or rocky soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Provide full sun to maximize flower production and maintain dense foliage.
Prune lightly by tipping back stems immediately after the spring flowering flush.

Don't

Do not apply phosphorus-rich fertilizers, which are toxic to the plant's root system.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that trigger root rot.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless woody stems, as they fail to reshoot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverRock gardensCoastal slopesErosion controlContainer planting

Companion Plants

Ceanothus prostratus Arctostaphylos Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Woolly Grevillea questions

What zones can Woolly Grevillea grow in?

Woolly 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.

Is Woolly Grevillea deer resistant?

Yes — Woolly Grevillea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Woolly Grevillea bloom?

Woolly 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 Woolly Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Woolly Grevillea drought tolerant?

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