shrub

Olive Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea olivacea is a robust, multi-branched evergreen shrub endemic to the coastal limestone sands of southwestern Western Australia. The species develops a dense, spreading habit that functions effectively as a windbreak or structural screen in exposed maritime environments.

The narrow, olive-like foliage features glabrous deep green upper surfaces contrasted by silky, silver-hairy undersides. Dense, umbel-like clusters of bright red, orange, or yellow flowers open from winter through spring, attracting native nectar-feeding birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with olive-like, silver-backed foliage and bright winter-to-spring floral displays.

Offers exceptional wind, salt, and drought tolerance, making it an ideal choice for coastal erosion control and screening.

Serves as a critical nectar source for native honeyeaters, bees, and butterflies during the cooler months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

177 inches

Width

236 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent, unimpeded soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, keeping the plant collar level with the soil surface.
Water in thoroughly upon planting to settle the soil, then restrict supplementary watering once established.
Apply a coarse, organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid irrigating established plants during hot summer months, as warm, wet soils trigger fatal Phytophthora root rot. Never prune hard into old, leafless wood, which lacks active epicormic buds to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure soil drainage is sharp and unimpeded.
Prune lightly after the spring flowering flush to maintain density.
Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling to avoid skin irritation.
Use only low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for native plants.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow water to pool around the root zone.
Do not apply standard phosphorus-rich garden fertilisers.
Do not cut back severely into old, bare wood.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal windbreakHedge or privacy screenWildlife and habitat gardenLow-water xeriscape

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus Correa alba Allocasuarina humilis

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 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does 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.