1 named cultivar

‘Murray Queen’Murray Queen Grevillea

shrub

Royal Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea victoriae, commonly known as the Royal Grevillea, is an erect to spreading evergreen shrub native to the mountainous and subalpine regions of south-eastern Australia. The species is highly valued for its exceptional frost tolerance, naturally enduring heavy snow and severe winter conditions on well-drained acidic soils.

This species is distinguished by its variable, leathery leaves with densely silky-hairy undersides and its pendulous clusters of red to orange flowers. The blooms feature a prominent glabrous style and appear primarily from winter through summer, attracting native nectar-feeding birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking red to orange pendulous blooms from winter through summer, set against leathery foliage with silvery-hairy undersides.

Offers exceptional cold hardiness and frost tolerance, making it highly reliable for challenging subalpine and mountainous landscapes.

Serves as an important food source for nectar-feeding native birds, such as honeyeaters, and supports native bees and insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118 inches

Width

177 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

South-eastern Australia

Toxicity

Skin irritant (foliage hairs and pollen)

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to dappled shade, ensuring protection from baking, reflected-heat positions.
Prepare the soil to guarantee excellent, sharp drainage, incorporating sand or gravel if planting in heavier clay or loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, plant at the same depth as the container, and backfill without adding standard fertilisers.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then apply a low-phosphorus mulch to protect the root zone and retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Ensure sharp soil drainage and maintain consistent moisture during dry summer months; dry soil at this time triggers the plant to abort its developing winter flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Use only low-phosphorus or native-formulated fertilisers if feeding is necessary.
Provide supplemental watering during dry summer periods to protect developing winter buds.

Don't

Never apply standard garden fertilisers containing phosphorus, which causes rapid toxicity and death.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained soils where water can pool around the roots.
Avoid planting in hot, humid tropical climates where the species performs poorly.

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

Subalpine and rock gardensBird-attracting screen or windbreakMixed shrub borders in cool or temperate climates

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus pauciflora Correa reflexa Crowea exalata

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.

When does Royal Grevillea bloom?

Royal Grevillea typically blooms in winter through summer. 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.