Grevillea hybrid 'Emma Charlotte'

Emma Charlotte Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea hybrid ‘Emma Charlotte’
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (hybrid selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (compact to medium-sized grevillea)

Overview

Grevillea ‘Emma Charlotte’ is a compact, free-flowering hybrid perfectly suited to Adelaide’s dry Mediterranean climate. It produces abundant soft apricot-pink to coral spider flowers for much of the year, with heaviest displays in late winter–spring. The fine, ferny green foliage forms a rounded, elegant shrub, often developing bronze or copper tints in colder months. Highly drought- and heat-tolerant once established, this grevillea is ideal for native gardens, low-water landscapes, mixed borders and wildlife plantings. While not fragrant, the plant carries a subtle resinous native aroma when the foliage is brushed.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.2–1.5 m H × 1–1.5 m W – compact, rounded habit
• Growth Rate: 20–40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, soft, mid-green divided leaves; may develop bronze or reddish tints in winter or dry periods; lightly resinous scent when handled
• Flowers: Soft coral-pink, apricot and salmon spider-style blooms; heaviest late winter–spring, with spot flowering most of the year
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage, colourful new growth, and an extended flowering season with heaviest bloom in late winter–spring
• Wildlife Value: Highly attractive to honeyeaters, native bees and butterflies; dense structure offers shelter for small birds
• Tolerance: Excellent drought, heat and wind tolerance; handles coastal exposure (best second-line); light frost hardy
• Planting Density: Informal hedging: 0.8–1 m spacing; specimen use: 1–1.5 m; mass planting: 1 plant per 1.5–2 m²
• Pet Friendly: Generally safe, though foliage may irritate sensitive skin—discourage chewing or close contact for sensitive pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering and density; tolerates light part shade
• Soil: Free-draining sandy loam, gravelly soils or improved clay; avoid waterlogging; always use low-phosphorus native fertiliser
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; minimal winter watering
• Maintenance: Low maintenance – tip-prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage rebloom (avoid pruning into bare old wood); mulch in spring; apply a light native-safe fertiliser in early spring
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Adelaide Plains, foothills, Fleurieu, Yorke Peninsula and coastal SA
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to mildly alkaline; excellent performance on Adelaide’s limestone soils with good drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• A compact feature shrub for native, waterwise or mixed Mediterranean gardens
• Mass planting for long-season colour and wildlife appeal
• Low informal hedging or structural planting in dry gardens
• Paired beautifully with Lomandra, Dianella, Westringia, Eremophila and Leucophyta
• Ideal for coastal and exposed sites where heat and wind challenge other flowering shrubs

Why You Will Love It

‘Emma Charlotte’ delivers long-lasting apricot-pink colour, compact structure, outstanding drought and heat resilience, and high wildlife value. Perfect for South Australia’s dry climate, it offers year-round form, extended flowering and easy-care performance in native, coastal and Mediterranean-style gardens.