shrub

Olive Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea olivacea is a dense, evergreen Australian shrub with narrow, gray-green leaves that feature distinctive silvery-silky undersides resembling those of an olive tree. The plant produces dense, spider-like clusters of bright red, orange, or yellow flowers from winter through spring.

This species is highly valued in dry climates for its exceptional resistance to coastal salt spray and strong winds. The nectar-rich, tubular blooms serve as a major food source for local wildlife during the cooler months.

Uses & Benefits:

Features attractive olive-like gray-green foliage with silvery undersides and vibrant spider-like red or orange flowers.

Highly wind-resistant and salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for coastal erosion control and windbreaks.

Provides a critical source of nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators during winter and spring.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

160"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, sandy loam, or well-drained loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the soil line to prevent rot.
Water deeply to establish the root system, then reduce watering to allow the soil to dry out completely between applications.
Apply only low-phosphorus, native-specific slow-release fertilizers to avoid toxic nutrient buildup.

Pro Tip

Never plant in heavy clay or apply standard garden fertilizers; high phosphorus levels quickly cause fatal root toxicity in this species.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling the foliage to prevent contact dermatitis.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering in spring to maintain a dense, bushy habit.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly and never allow the roots to sit in standing water.

Don't

Do not apply standard all-purpose fertilizers containing high levels of phosphorus.
Do not cut back severely into old, leafless woody stems, as the plant will fail to shoot from old wood.
Do not plant in heavy clay soils or poorly drained low spots.

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

Coastal windbreakHedge or screenDrought-tolerant specimenWildlife garden

Companion Plants

WestringiaLeucophyta brownii Salvia Ceanothus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Olive Grevillea questions

What zones can Olive Grevillea grow in?

Olive 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 Olive Grevillea deer resistant?

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

When does Olive Grevillea bloom?

Olive 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 Olive Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Olive Grevillea drought tolerant?

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