Grevillea Hybrid 'Winpara Gem'

Winpara Gem Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea hybrid 'Winpara Gem'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

‘Winpara Gem’ is a proven, bird-magnet grevillea for South Australian gardens. It forms a tidy, fast-filling shrub of fine mid-green foliage and carries large, nectar-rich scarlet-red “toothbrush” blooms for months, peaking through the cooler seasons. Ideal for low-maintenance borders, native hedging, feature planting and second-line coastal sites (use low-phosphorus native fertiliser).

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.5–2.5 m H × 1.5–2.5 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, evergreen mid- to deep-green leaves; compact, dense habit; new growth can bronze in cool weather
• Flowers: Showy, nectar-rich “toothbrush” clusters in vivid scarlet to deep red (occasionally coral tones as they age)
• Seasonal Interest: Late autumn–spring peak with spot flowers through the year in mild sites
• Wildlife Value: Strong draw for honeyeaters; visited by native bees; supports local biodiversity
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost); clay-tolerant with drainage
• Planting Density: Shrub borders: 1 plant per metre (dense) or 1 per 1.5 m for a looser effect
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic, but sap/leaves may irritate sensitive skin—discourage chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best flowering in full sun)
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loam soils; improved clay only with excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; low phosphorus
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; tip-prune after flowering to keep compact (avoid cutting into old bare wood); feed lightly with native (low-P) fertiliser in early spring
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; avoid highly alkaline/limey soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy screening and boundary hedges with a refined finish
• Mass plant for cohesive, bird-friendly, low-maintenance colour
• Feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces; suitable for large pots with free-draining native mix

Why You Will Love It

A low-water, high-flower performer that stays neat with a quick trim, brings months of scarlet colour, and fills your garden with visiting honeyeaters—reliable impact and year-round structure for SA gardens.