Grevillea Lavandulacea

Lavender Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea lavandulacea
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (SA & VIC)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

Grevillea lavandulacea is a compact, water-wise native for South Australian gardens. It forms a neat mound of fine, grey- to mid-green foliage and produces masses of nectar-rich red to deep-pink “spider/toothbrush” flowers through the cooler months. Ideal for low-maintenance borders, native hedging, banks/rockeries and second-line coastal sites (use low-phosphorus native fertiliser).

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.4–1.2 m H × 0.8–2 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, evergreen grey-/mid-green leaves; dense, compact habit
• Flowers: Nectar-rich clusters in red to deep pink; long display
• Seasonal Interest: Late autumn–spring peak, with spot flowers at other times in mild sites
• Wildlife Value: Attracts honeyeaters & native bees; dense cover shelters small fauna
• 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

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; tolerates mildly alkaline limestone soils if free-draining

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Mass plant for a cohesive, bird-friendly, low-care display
• Use as a low hedge or to soften rockeries/banks and retainers
• Pair with Lomandra, Dianella, Westringia and other water-wise natives

Why You Will Love It

A set-and-forget native that shrugs off heat and wind, delivers months of red-pink colour, draws in birds and bees, and stays tidy with a quick trim — perfect for SA gardens needing beauty, resilience and low water use.