shrub

Mountain Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea alpina, known as mountain grevillea, is a highly variable evergreen shrub native to dry forests and woodlands of south-eastern Australia. The species ranges in habit from prostrate groundcovers to upright shrubs reaching two metres in height, featuring small, simple leaves with recurved margins and hairy undersides.

The small, clustered flowers lack true petals, instead displaying curved perianth tubes and prominent, hairy styles that attract native honeyeaters throughout winter and spring. While the species name suggests an alpine origin, it occurs primarily at low to medium elevations on well-drained, sandy soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Displays highly variable, colourful clusters of red, yellow, or cream flowers against fine, soft foliage.

Functions as an effective low-water, drought-tolerant shrub for well-drained soils and rockeries.

Provides a critical winter and spring nectar source for native honeyeaters and insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

South-eastern Australia

Toxicity

Skin irritant (foliage and hairs can cause contact dermatitis)

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage, such as a raised bed or sandy slope.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, avoiding any soil amendments that alter drainage.
Gently remove the plant from its pot, place it in the hole, and backfill with native soil, firming down lightly.
Water in thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a coarse, low-phosphorus mulch keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly and regularly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Use a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertiliser formulated specifically for Australian native plants.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare, brown wood.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not apply standard, high-phosphorus garden fertilisers.

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

Rock gardensNative gardensBird-attracting bordersLow-water landscaping

Companion Plants

Correa reflexa Anigozanthos flavidus Acacia buxifolia Poa sieberiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mountain Grevillea questions

What zones can Mountain Grevillea grow in?

Mountain 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 Mountain Grevillea bloom?

Mountain 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 Mountain Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Mountain Grevillea drought tolerant?

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