Grevillea hybrid 'RLS Spirit of ANZAC'

RSL Spirit of ANZAC Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea hybrid 'RSL Spirit of ANZAC' (PBR)
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (hybrid bred by Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Western Australia)
Plant Type: Evergreen fast-growing native shrub

Overview

A stunning commemorative Australian native grevillea perfectly suited to Adelaide's Mediterranean climate, Grevillea 'RSL Spirit of ANZAC' forms dense, upright growth of mid-green fern-like foliage smothered in masses of spectacular large red brush-like flowers from autumn through summer. Bred to honour the ANZAC Centenary, it symbolizes resilience and survival, thriving in tough conditions like its parent species from Australia's harshest landscapes. Fast-growing, exceptionally drought-tolerant and bird-attracting, it delivers continuous colour and wildlife appeal with minimal maintenance. Ideal for feature plantings, hedging, screening, rockeries and native gardens, this commemorative grevillea brings bold red impact and patriotic significance to South Australian landscapes.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2.0–2.5 m H × 1.5–2.0 m W (can reach 3 m if unpruned; responds well to pruning for compact shape)
• Growth Rate: 50–80 cm per year under good conditions (fast-growing)
• Foliage: Mid-green fern-like to needle-like leaves with pale reverse and pale stems; dense, upright branching; evergreen year-round
• Flowers: Spectacular large red brush-like flowers (some with subtle yellow-cream undertones); blooms prolifically autumn through summer (March–December) with year-round sporadic flowering
• Fragrance: Not fragrant
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure year-round with spectacular long flowering season from autumn through summer; bold red floral display
• Wildlife Value: Exceptional for wildlife—attracts honeyeaters, lorikeets, native bees, and other nectar-feeding birds and insects in large numbers; excellent cut flowers with long vase life
• Tolerance: Exceptional drought tolerance once established; exceptional heat tolerance; frost-hardy (tolerates light to moderate frosts); excellent wind tolerance; excellent coastal tolerance in sheltered positions; excellent drainage essential—will not tolerate waterlogging; highly sensitive to phosphorus—avoid phosphorus-containing fertilisers
• Planting Density: 1–2 plants per m²; Hedge/screen: 1.5–2.0 m apart; Feature/specimen: 1 plant per focal point
• Pet Friendly: Use caution—some grevilleas can cause skin irritation to some people; wear protective gloves when handling; generally safe for pets but discourage ingestion

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to dappled shade (best flowering in full sun; tolerates light afternoon shade)
• Soil: Exceptionally well-drained sandy loam, gravelly soil, or rocky soil; thrives in poor, lean, low-phosphorus soils; excellent in raised beds, rockeries, and containers; will not tolerate heavy clay, waterlogged, or phosphorus-rich soils
• Water Needs:
  • Establishment: Deep soak twice weekly for 8–12 weeks
  • Established: Deep soak twice weekly in summer; minimal watering in winter—thrives on rainfall
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; prune lightly in late spring after main flowering to maintain compact shape and promote massed flowering (responds very well to pruning); never use standard fertilisers containing phosphorus (causes rapid decline)—use low-phosphorus native fertiliser every 6–12 months if required; excellent as cut flowers; virtually pest and disease-free
• Lifespan: 15–25+ years with proper low-phosphorus care
• Climate Zones: Suitable for most Australian climates including Mediterranean and temperate South Australia—Adelaide plains, foothills, Fleurieu Peninsula, coastal and inland gardens; thrives in harsh, exposed conditions
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0); tolerates mildly alkaline soils if drainage is excellent

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature shrubs in native gardens for bold red commemorative significance
• Informal hedging or screening with year-round flowering display
• Mass planting in memorial gardens and ANZAC commemorative parks
• Mixed native shrub borders with westringia, callistemon, and lomandra
• Bird-attracting and wildlife gardens for continuous autumn–summer nectar
• Rockeries and water-wise garden beds for drought-proof colour
• Cut flower production—long-lasting stems with bold red impact
• Contemporary and minimalist landscapes paired with gravel and architectural hardscaping
• Patriotic plantings to honour ANZAC heritage and resilience

Why You Will Love It

'RSL Spirit of ANZAC' grevillea delivers spectacular bold red flowers from autumn through summer with profound commemorative significance. Fast-growing, dense, and smothered in large red blooms that attract honeyeaters in abundance, it honors ANZAC resilience while transforming gardens into bird-filled colour displays. Drought-proof, heat-loving, frost-hardy, and thriving in Adelaide's harshest conditions—it's the ultimate commemorative native shrub for water-wise, wildlife-friendly South Australian gardens. Proceeds support ANZAC Centenary initiatives.