shrub

Banks' grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea banksii, commonly known as the red silky oak, is an erect evergreen shrub or slender tree native to the coastal and sub-coastal regions of Queensland. The foliage consists of deeply divided, silvery-green leaves with recurved margins and a soft, subsericeous underside.

This species produces dense, toothbrush-like racemes of bright red or occasionally creamy-white flowers primarily during spring and summer. It is highly sensitive to soil phosphorus due to its specialized proteoid root system, which is adapted to extract nutrients from extremely poor soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces highly distinctive, toothbrush-like red or cream flower spikes against deeply divided silvery-green foliage.

Functions well as a windbreak, informal screen, or coastal soil stabiliser due to its high salt and wind tolerance.

Extremely high value for nectar-eating Australian birds and native bees, which are heavily drawn to the abundant nectar.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

393 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Native To

Queensland, Australia

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy loam, light sand, or well-drained clay loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the soil is highly permeable.
Gently remove the plant from its container, place it in the hole, and backfill without adding standard fertilisers.
Water in thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a light layer of mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Never prune back hard into old, leafless wood, as this species lacks dormant buds on bare stems and will fail to reshoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to ensure a dense growth habit and maximum flower production.
Use specialized low-phosphorus native fertilisers if feeding is necessary.
Tip-prune regularly after flowering flushes to maintain shape.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged, or poorly drained clay soils.
Do not apply standard general-purpose fertilisers containing phosphorus.
Do not prune hard into bare, brown wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Screening and informal hedgingCoastal gardensWildlife and habitat gardens

Companion Plants

Banksia integrifolia Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa

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.

When does Banks' grevillea bloom?

Banks' 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 Banks' grevillea need full sun?

Banks' grevillea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

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.