shrub

Banks' Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea banksii is an upright, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to coastal Queensland, featuring deeply divided, fern-like foliage with a silvery or bronze-tinted sheen on new growth. The plant produces dense, one-sided cylindrical flower spikes of red, pink, or creamy-white stamens that bloom continuously in frost-free climates.

This species is highly sensitive to phosphorus, requiring specialized low-phosphate soils and fertilizers to prevent root toxicity. It is also known to cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals who handle the foliage or sap.

Uses & Benefits:

Bold, deeply divided foliage paired with bright, brush-like red flower clusters that bloom throughout the year.

Highly tolerant of salt spray and wind, making it an effective windbreak or screen in coastal landscapes.

Provides a continuous nectar source for hummingbirds and native bees in warm climates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

10-20 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 drainage, such as a raised bed or sandy slope.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native sandy loam without adding organic compost or general-purpose fertilizers.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule that allows the top few inches to dry completely between waterings.

Pro Tip

Plant in exceptionally well-drained, sandy soil and avoid any fertilizer containing phosphorus, which rapidly destroys the proteoid root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after major flowering flushes to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Use only specialized low-phosphorus or native-formulated fertilizers if feeding is necessary.
Wear gloves when pruning to protect skin from irritating leaf hairs and sap.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils where root rot quickly develops.
Do not apply standard garden fertilizers, as even small amounts of phosphorus can kill the plant.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, which lacks the buds needed to regenerate.

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

Specimen PlantScreeningCoastal GardenBird Garden

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Anigozanthos flavidus Adenanthos sericeus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Banks' Grevillea questions

What zones can Banks' Grevillea grow in?

Banks' Grevillea is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Banks' Grevillea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Banks' Grevillea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Banks' Grevillea bloom?

Banks' 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 Banks' Grevillea need full sun?

Banks' Grevillea does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Banks' Grevillea drought tolerant?

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