groundcover

Prostrate Grevillea

Grevillea × gaudichaudii 'Gaudi Chaudi'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea × gaudichaudii is a naturally occurring hybrid evergreen groundcover native to the higher Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. The deeply lobed, oak-like foliage emerges with bronze-red tones and spreads horizontally to form a dense, weed-suppressing mat.

'Gaudi Chaudi' is distinguished by its low, prostrate habit and dark pink to burgundy-red flowers arranged in one-sided, toothbrush-like clusters. These nectar-rich blooms appear primarily from spring through summer, attracting hummingbirds to dry, sunny garden beds.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, evergreen carpet of deeply lobed, oak-like foliage that transitions from bronze-red to dark green, topped with unique burgundy-red toothbrush flowers.

Acts as an effective, low-maintenance groundcover for stabilizing dry slopes, controlling erosion, and suppressing weeds.

Provides a rich nectar source for hummingbirds and beneficial insects during the spring and summer blooming seasons.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

10"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with exceptionally well-draining, lean sandy or gravelly soil.
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.
Water the plant deeply to settle the soil, then establish a minimal watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry completely between applications.
Apply a thick layer of coarse, organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to maintain dry conditions at the crown.

Pro Tip

Avoid any fertilizers containing phosphorus, as members of the Proteaceae family have specialized root systems that absorb nutrients so efficiently that standard formulas cause toxic burn.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in lean, highly-drained soils to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly after the main summer flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Use only zero- or low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated specifically for native Australian plants.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Do not cut back hard into old, bare wood, as it lacks dormant buds and will fail to regrow.
Do not overwater once established, as excess moisture triggers fatal fungal root rot.

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

Groundcover for dry slopesRock gardensErosion control on banksCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Arctostaphylos Ceanothus Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Prostrate Grevillea questions

What zones can Prostrate Grevillea grow in?

Prostrate 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 Prostrate Grevillea bloom?

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

Does Prostrate Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Prostrate Grevillea drought tolerant?

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