shrub

Wickham's Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea wickhamii, commonly known as Wickham's Grevillea, is an erect to spreading evergreen shrub native to the arid and tropical regions of northern Australia. It develops a rigid, multi-branched framework of branches covered in oval, green leaves with sharply toothed, holly-like margins.

The species is distinguished by its small, nectar-rich flowers clustered on short axillary stems, which range in colour from yellow to orange-red depending on the subspecies. These blooms appear continuously from autumn through to spring, providing a critical food source for native honeyeaters and bees.

Uses & Benefits:

Features distinctive holly-like prickly foliage and vibrant, multi-coloured axillary flower clusters.

Acts as an effective low-maintenance windbreak or barrier plant in hot, arid, and tropical regions.

Provides a rich source of nectar for native honeyeaters, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

236 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

High/Low

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Northern Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a sloped garden bed or a raised rockery.
Excavate a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth to prevent burying the stem.
Gently decant the plant from its container, taking care not to disturb the sensitive root system.
Backfill with native soil, firm down lightly, and water in thoroughly to settle the soil without over-saturating.

Pro Tip

Plant in highly porous, skeletal or sandy soil on a raised mound to guarantee the rapid drainage this species demands; standing water or heavy clay triggers swift root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the spring flowering flush to maintain a compact shape.
Ensure the soil dries out completely between watering sessions once established.
Use only specialized low-phosphorus native fertilisers if nutrient deficiency symptoms appear.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Never prune hard into old, leafless wood as the plant will fail to regenerate.
Avoid using general-purpose garden fertilisers containing phosphorus.

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 gardensScreeningBird-attracting gardensArid-landscaping

Companion Plants

Native grasses Arid-land wattles Dryland Eucalyptus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wickham's Grevillea questions

What zones can Wickham's Grevillea grow in?

Wickham's Grevillea is hardy in USDA Zone 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 Wickham's Grevillea bloom?

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

Does Wickham's Grevillea need full sun?

Wickham's Grevillea does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Wickham's Grevillea drought tolerant?

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