Species

shrub

Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea juniperina, the juniper-leaf grevillea, is an evergreen Australian shrub native to New South Wales and Queensland, characterized by needle-like foliage and spider-like flower clusters. The species grows in well-drained, acidic to neutral soils and relies on its dense, prickly habit to deter herbivores.

'Molonglo' is a low-spreading, wide-mounding cultivar selected in 1964 at the Australian National University for its prostrate groundcover habit. It produces apricot-gold flowers with prominent red styles from fall through spring, growing significantly wider than it does tall.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dense, evergreen groundcover with unique apricot-gold flowers that bloom through the cooler months.

Acts as an effective weed-suppressing barrier and deters foot traffic or pests due to its sharp, prickly foliage.

Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies in North America, offering a valuable nectar source when other plants are dormant.

SpeciesGrevillea juniperinaJuniper Grevillea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

40"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Fall – Spring

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a sloped bed or sandy loam soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic amendments or phosphorus-heavy fertilizers.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then apply a coarse, low-phosphorus mulch keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the main spring flowering flush to maintain a dense habit, taking care never to cut back into old, leafless wood which fails to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water weekly during the first summer until the root system is fully established.
Use only low-phosphorus or specialty native plant fertilizers if feeding is necessary.
Prune the green tips annually to encourage dense, compact growth.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying areas where water pools or soils remain saturated.
Do not apply standard garden fertilizers, as high phosphorus levels are toxic to the roots.
Do not cut back into bare, woody branches because they will not produce new shoots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverBank stabilizationRock gardensCoastal gardensBarrier planting

Companion Plants

Ceanothus Arctostaphylos Rosmarinus officinalis Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea questions

What zones can Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea grow in?

Molonglo Juniper-Leaf 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 Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea deer resistant?

Yes — Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea bloom?

Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea typically blooms in fall through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea need full sun?

Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Molonglo Juniper-Leaf Grevillea drought tolerant?

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