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

shrub

Sylvia Grevillea

Grevillea x hybrida 'Sylvia'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees native to Australasia, characterized by deeply divided foliage and petal-less flowers that form dense, colorful styles. These plants are highly adapted to nutrient-poor soils and dry climates, utilizing specialized proteoid roots to absorb water and trace minerals.

'Sylvia' is a fast-growing hybrid cultivar that produces large, cylindrical pink flower brushes up to six inches long throughout the year. The deeply lobed, fern-like foliage emerges with bronze highlights before maturing to a silvery gray-green.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, vibrant pink flower brushes year-round against deeply divided, silvery-green foliage.

Offers high drought tolerance and acts as an effective evergreen screen or windbreak once established.

Provides a continuous source of nectar for hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators during off-season months.

Garden hybrid

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

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

196"

Width

157"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Year round

In flower about 12 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a raised bed or sandy slope.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil without adding compost, manure, or high-phosphorus fertilizers.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule that allows the soil to dry completely between irrigations.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly and regularly immediately after a flowering flush, taking care never to cut back into old, leafless wood where dormant buds cannot break.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy habit.
Use a thin layer of gravel or coarse bark mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem.
Wear gloves when handling the foliage to prevent mild skin irritation.

Don't

Do not apply standard commercial fertilizers containing more than two percent phosphorus.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not cut back into bare, woody branches that lack green leaves.

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 plantEvergreen screenHedgeCoastal garden

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sylvia Grevillea questions

What zones can Sylvia Grevillea grow in?

Sylvia 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 Sylvia Grevillea deer resistant?

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

When does Sylvia Grevillea bloom?

Sylvia Grevillea typically blooms in year round through year round. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sylvia Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Sylvia Grevillea drought tolerant?

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