Species

1 other cultivar

‘Coastal Gem’Coastal Gem Woolly Grevillea

groundcover

Woolly Grevillea

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea lanigera, the woolly grevillea, is an evergreen Australian shrub native to Victoria and New South Wales, where it grows in heaths and rocky riparian zones. The species features small, narrow leaves covered in fine, soft hairs that give the foliage a distinct silvery-grey appearance.

'Mt Tamboritha' is a prostrate, low-spreading cultivar that forms a dense, mounding groundcover with arching, wiry stems. It produces clusters of pinkish-red and cream spider-like flowers from winter through spring, which are highly attractive to nectar-feeding birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, silvery-green carpet that softens hard edges and drapes over retaining walls.

Suppresses weeds effectively due to its dense, mat-forming growth habit and assists with erosion control on slopes.

Provides a vital winter nectar source for native honeyeaters and supports insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

18 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun position with excellently drained, sandy or gritty soil to prevent root rot.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water in lightly upon planting, then withhold regular watering once the root system is established.
Apply a coarse, chunky mulch around the base of the plant, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents new shoots from forming as this cultivar lacks dormant buds on bare stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drainage is immaculate before planting.
Use only low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for Australian native plants.
Wear gloves when handling the foliage to avoid contact dermatitis.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Do not use standard multi-purpose fertilisers, blood and bone, or general plant foods.
Do not prune hard into old, bare 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

GroundcoverRock gardensCoastal gardensEmbankmentsRetaining walls

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Correa reflexa Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Woolly Grevillea questions

What zones can Woolly Grevillea grow in?

Woolly 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 Woolly Grevillea bloom?

Woolly 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 Woolly Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Woolly Grevillea drought tolerant?

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