Grevillea Olivacea 'Apricot Glow'

Apricot Glow Grevillea / Olive Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea olivacea 'Apricot Glow'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (Western Australia selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

‘Apricot Glow’ is a brilliant, bird-magnet grevillea for South Australian gardens. It forms a neat, fast-filling shrub of fine olive-green foliage topped for months with large apricot–soft orange “spider/toothbrush” flowers rich in nectar. Perfect for low-maintenance borders, 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 olive-green leaves; dense, clip-responsive habit
• Flowers: Nectar-rich “spider/toothbrush” clusters in apricot to soft orange; showy and long-lasting
• Seasonal Interest: Late autumn–spring peak, with spot flowers through the year in mild/coastal sites
• Wildlife Value: Attracts honeyeaters and 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/hedges: 1 plant per metre (dense) or 1 per 1.5 m for a looser effect
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; sap/leaves may irritate sensitive skin — discourage chewing and wear gloves when pruning

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; use low-P native fertiliser
• 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); light native feed 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; tolerates mildly alkaline sandy/limestone soils with sharp drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

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

Why You Will Love It

A low-water, high-flower performer that glows with apricot-orange colour for months, draws in honeyeaters, and stays neat with a quick trim — reliable impact and year-round structure tailored for SA gardens.