shrub

Long John Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a diverse genus of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees in the Proteaceae family, characterised by their unique petal-less flowers and specialised proteoid roots. These plants have evolved to thrive in nutrient-poor soils by maximising phosphorus uptake through dense clusters of rootlets.

'Long John' is an upright, open hybrid cultivar that forms a large, billowy shrub with deeply dissected, needle-like foliage. It produces large, pink and orange spider-like flower clusters with prominent deep red styles from spring through autumn.

Uses & Benefits:

Features deeply dissected, pine-like foliage and large, pink and orange spider-like flowers that bloom over a long period.

Serves as an effective, drought-tolerant windbreak or informal screen once established.

Provides a rich source of nectar for native bees and honeyeaters.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

197 inches

Width

197 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia (Hybrid Origin)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent, fast-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, avoiding any soil amendments or fertilisers.
Gently place the plant in the hole, backfill with native soil, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a coarse, organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning past the green foliage into old, bare wood, as this hybrid lacks epicormic buds on mature stems and will fail to shoot back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently during extended dry periods once established.
Tip prune young plants regularly to encourage a bushier growth habit.
Use only low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free fertilisers formulated specifically for Australian native plants.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils or low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Do not apply standard general-purpose fertilisers, as high phosphorus levels cause rapid, fatal toxicity.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood.

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

Screening and informal hedgingSpecimen planting in native gardensBackground shrubbery in low-water borders

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Correa reflexa

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.

When does Long John Grevillea bloom?

Long John Grevillea typically blooms in spring through autumn. 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 to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

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.