Species

1 other cultivar

‘Winpara Gem’Winpara Gem Grevillea

shrub

Toothbrush Grevillea

Grevillea hybrid 'Ivanhoe'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a diverse genus of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees in the Proteaceae family, characterized by nectar-rich flowers that lack true petals and instead feature prominent, colorful styles. These plants have adapted to nutrient-poor soils and possess specialized proteoid roots that are highly efficient at absorbing phosphorus.

'Ivanhoe' is a vigorous, large hybrid cultivar distinguished by its deeply divided, saw-toothed dark green foliage and one-sided, toothbrush-shaped racemes of deep red flowers. The new growth emerges with a striking coppery-red or bronze-pink flush on reddish stems before maturing to a glossy dark green.

Uses & Benefits:

Features striking deeply divided, fern-like foliage with coppery-red new growth and unique red toothbrush-style flowers.

Serves as an effective, fast-growing privacy screen or windbreak in dry, coastal, or Mediterranean climates.

Provides a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies over a long blooming period.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Late winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun and exceptionally well-draining sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent pooling.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic compost or phosphorus-rich fertilizers.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule that allows the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly to moderately immediately after the main spring flowering flush; cutting back into old, leafless brown wood will permanently kill the branch as dormant buds do not regenerate on bare timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use only specialized low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for native Australian plants.
Prune lightly immediately after the main spring flowering flush to maintain a dense habit.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not apply standard garden fertilizers containing more than three percent phosphorus.
Do not prune back into old, bare, leafless wood.
Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in waterlogged clay soils.

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

Specimen plantingHedgePrivacy screenCoastal garden

Companion Plants

Ceanothus Arctostaphylos Salvia clevelandii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Toothbrush Grevillea questions

What zones can Toothbrush Grevillea grow in?

Toothbrush 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 Toothbrush Grevillea deer resistant?

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

When does Toothbrush Grevillea bloom?

Toothbrush Grevillea typically blooms in late winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Toothbrush Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Toothbrush Grevillea drought tolerant?

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