Grevillea x hybrida 'Poorinda Royal Mantle'

Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

16 other cultivars

groundcover

Royal Mantle Grevillea

Grevillea x hybrida 'Poorinda Royal Mantle'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a diverse genus of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees in the Proteaceae family, characterized by their unique, petal-less flowers and high sensitivity to phosphorus. These plants have adapted to nutrient-poor, well-drained soils and rely on specialized cluster roots to absorb trace elements.

'Poorinda Royal Mantle' is a vigorous, prostrate groundcover that forms a dense mat of dark green, leathery leaves with coppery-red new growth. It produces toothbrush-like clusters of bright tomato-red flowers from spring through early summer, spreading up to twenty feet wide while remaining under eight inches tall.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, evergreen carpet of variable, leathery leaves accented by coppery new growth and unique red toothbrush flowers.

Excellent for stabilizing steep slopes, suppressing weeds, and tolerating coastal salt spray.

Provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies during the spring and early summer.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

236"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with exceptional drainage, such as a sloped bank or raised bed.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native sandy or loamy soil without adding organic compost or phosphorus-heavy soil amendments.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict schedule of minimal supplementary watering once the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Never apply standard phosphorus-rich fertilizers, as even small amounts cause rapid leaf yellowing and fatal toxicity.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do use only low-phosphorus, native-formulated fertilizers once or twice a year.
Do plant on a mound or slope if your garden has heavy clay soil to ensure rapid drainage.
Do wear gloves and long sleeves when handling the foliage to prevent contact dermatitis.

Don't

Don't prune heavily into old, leafless woody stems, as they fail to regenerate new growth.
Don't allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil, especially during wet winter months.
Don't apply standard general-purpose garden fertilizers containing high phosphorus levels.

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

GroundcoverErosion ControlRock GardenSeaside GardenBank Stabilization

Companion Plants

Arctostaphylos Ceanothus Salvia clevelandii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Royal Mantle Grevillea questions

What zones can Royal Mantle Grevillea grow in?

Royal Mantle 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.

Is Royal Mantle Grevillea deer resistant?

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

When does Royal Mantle Grevillea bloom?

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

Does Royal Mantle Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Royal Mantle Grevillea drought tolerant?

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