shrub

Robyn Gordon Grevillea

Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees characterized by deeply divided foliage and distinctive, petal-less flowers that bloom in dense, brush-like clusters. These members of the Proteaceae family are highly adapted to nutrient-poor, sharply drained soils and are exceptionally sensitive to phosphorus.

'Robyn Gordon' is a dense, multi-stemmed hybrid shrub reaching four to six feet in height, featuring deeply divided, fern-like foliage and vivid red, toothbrush-style inflorescences. This cultivar blooms virtually year-round in warm, frost-free climates, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to its nectar-rich flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces vivid red, toothbrush-style flowers year-round against deeply divided, fern-like evergreen foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and suitable for coastal environments with moderate salt spray.

Provides a continuous nectar source for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies in North American gardens.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Year round

In flower about 12 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full to partial sun with excellent drainage, such as sandy loam or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits slightly above the surrounding soil line.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic compost or standard phosphorus-rich fertilizers.
Water deeply to establish, then transition to infrequent, deep watering once the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into old, leafless brown wood, as branches fail to resprout, and avoid standard garden fertilizers containing phosphorus to prevent fatal root burn.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear gloves when handling the foliage or sap to prevent allergic contact dermatitis.
Use a specialized low-to-zero phosphorus native plant fertilizer sparingly in spring.
Prune lightly immediately after a heavy bloom flush to maintain a dense, bushy shape.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils where standing water can accumulate.
Do not apply standard balanced garden fertilizers containing phosphorus.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgesSpecimen PlantingsCoastal GardensWildlife Gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Robyn Gordon Grevillea questions

What zones can Robyn Gordon Grevillea grow in?

Robyn Gordon 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 Robyn Gordon Grevillea deer resistant?

Yes — Robyn Gordon Grevillea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Robyn Gordon Grevillea bloom?

Robyn Gordon Grevillea typically blooms in year round through year round. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Robyn Gordon Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Robyn Gordon Grevillea drought tolerant?

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