shrub

Long John Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees native to Australia, characterized by their distinctive petal-less flowers that form dense, spider-like clusters. These plants thrive in nutrient-poor, highly drained soils and are highly sensitive to phosphorus.

'Long John' is an upright, open hybrid shrub reaching eight to fifteen feet tall, featuring finely divided, needle-like leaves that emerge bright green before maturing to dark green. The large, terminal flower clusters display a mix of deep pink, coral, and orange tones from late winter through spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a graceful, airy evergreen structure with unique needle-like foliage and colorful spider-like flowers.

Offers high drought tolerance once established, making it ideal for low-water landscaping.

Attracts and supports local hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with nectar-rich blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Late winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly draining soil, avoiding heavy clay or low-lying areas where water collects.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, and backfill without adding organic amendments or standard fertilizers.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule that allows the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to suppress weeds and conserve moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain a dense habit; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location with exceptional drainage and full sun exposure.
Use only low-phosphorus or native-formulated fertilizers if feeding is necessary.
Tip-prune regularly after flowering to encourage a bushier growth habit.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils where standing water occurs.
Do not apply general-purpose garden fertilizers containing high levels of phosphorus.
Do not cut back severely into old, bare wood, as it will fail to reshoot.

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

Waterwise screensSpecimen plantingsHedgesWildlife gardens

Companion Plants

Grevillea longistyla Grevillea johnsonii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Long John Grevillea questions

What zones can Long John Grevillea grow in?

Long John 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 Long John Grevillea deer resistant?

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

When does Long John Grevillea bloom?

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

Does Long John Grevillea need full sun?

Long John Grevillea does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Long John Grevillea drought tolerant?

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