Grevillea alpina x rosmarinifolia 'Bonnie Prince Charlie'

shrub

Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea

Grevillea alpina x rosmarinifolia 'Bonnie Prince Charlie'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a diverse genus of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees characterized by needle-like or leathery foliage and petal-less, nectar-rich flowers. These plants rely on prominent, elongated styles to present pollen to visiting pollinators and require exceptionally well-drained, low-phosphorus soils.

'Bonnie Prince Charlie' is a compact, mounding hybrid cultivar that grows to three feet tall and four feet wide. It features fine, rosemary-like dark green leaves and produces bicolored red and yellow spider-like flower clusters from winter through summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking red and gold bicolored flowers against fine, rosemary-like evergreen foliage, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, low borders, or containers.

Offers high drought tolerance once established, making it highly suitable for water-wise landscapes and coastal gardens.

Provides a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies during the winter and spring months when other food sources are scarce.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Winter – Summer

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly well-drained sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, ensuring the plant sits at the same soil level as it did in the container.
Gently place the plant in the hole without disturbing the sensitive root system, then backfill with native soil.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil and apply a low-phosphorus mulch, keeping it away from the main stem.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the main spring flowering flush; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from shooting back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil.
Use only low-phosphorus, native-formulated fertilizers.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, unamended clay soils.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood.
Do not disturb the root system during planting or weeding.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensLow bordersContainer plantingCoastal gardensWater-wise landscaping

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea questions

What zones can Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea grow in?

Bonnie Prince Charlie 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 Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea bloom?

Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea typically blooms in winter through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Bonnie Prince Charlie Grevillea drought tolerant?

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