Grevillea Longifolia x Caleyi 'Ivanhoe'

Ivanhoe Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea longifolia x caleyi 'Ivanhoe'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ is a vigorous, bird-magnet shrub for South Australian gardens. It forms a fast, screening mass of long, deeply toothed, deep-green foliage and carries large, nectar-rich red “toothbrush” flowers for months. Ideal for low-maintenance screens, feature planting and second-line coastal sites (use low-phosphorus native fertiliser).

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2.5–5 m H × 2–4 m W
• Growth Rate: 40-80 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Long, serrated evergreen leaves; deep green above, paler beneath; lush, architectural habit
• Flowers: Nectar-rich “toothbrush” clusters in red to deep pink; abundant on new growth
• Seasonal Interest: Late autumn–spring peak, with spot flowers at other times in mild sites
• Wildlife Value: Attracts honeyeaters & native bees; provides dense habitat
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Hedges/screens: 1 plant per 1–1.5 m (dense) or 1 per 2 m for a looser effect
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic, but sap/leaves may irritate sensitive skin—discourage chewing; wear gloves when pruning

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to 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 dense (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

• Privacy screening and boundary hedges with a refined, natural look
• Mass plant for a tough, bird-friendly, low-care display
• Feature near entries, along fences and outdoor living spaces; also suited to larger pots with free-draining native mix

Why You Will Love It

A fast, reliable, high-impact native that delivers months of red bloom, dense screening foliage and constant bird activity—while staying low-maintenance and water-wise in SA conditions.