1 named cultivar

‘Murray Queen’Murray Queen Grevillea

shrub

Royal Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea victoriae is an erect to wide-spreading evergreen shrub native to the mountainous regions of southeastern Australia, reaching five to thirteen feet in cultivation. The alternate, lance-shaped leaves feature dark green upper surfaces and dense, silvery-grey woolly undersides, complemented by soft bronze-tinted new growth.

This species is distinguished as one of the cold-hardiest members of its genus, reliably tolerating temperatures down to 5°F once established. Pendant, conical clusters of red to orange flowers with prominent curved styles open from fall through spring, providing a critical winter food source for hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with striking bicolored foliage and pendant red-orange flower clusters that bloom through the coldest months.

Offers exceptional drought tolerance and wind resistance once established, making it ideal for difficult sloped or coastal sites.

Serves as a vital winter nectar source for hummingbirds and other cold-season pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157"

Width

177"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Southeastern Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with coarse, sandy, or loamy soil that drains rapidly.
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 native soil without adding organic amendments or phosphorus-rich fertilizers.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule only until the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Plant on a slope or in a raised bed to guarantee the sharp drainage this species demands, and never apply general-purpose fertilizers containing phosphorus.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant on a slope or raised bed to ensure rapid drainage.
Use only specialty low-phosphorus or native-formulated fertilizers.
Tip-prune young plants regularly to encourage a dense, bushy habit.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Never cut back into old, leafless woody stems lacking dormant buds.
Do not overwater once the plant is established.

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

Architectural specimenWinter wildlife gardenSloped bank stabilizationCoastal or maritime garden

Companion Plants

Arctostaphylos Ceanothus Cistus Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Royal Grevillea questions

What zones can Royal Grevillea grow in?

Royal Grevillea is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Royal Grevillea deer resistant?

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

When does Royal Grevillea bloom?

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

Does Royal Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Royal Grevillea drought tolerant?

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