Grevillea Rhyolitica 'Deua Flame'

Deua Flame Grevillea / Deua Grevillea / Deua Flame

Botanical Name: Grevillea rhyolitica 'Deua Flame'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (NSW – Deua NP selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

‘Deua Flame’ is a compact, shade-tolerant grevillea that flowers for months in SA gardens. It forms a neat mound of narrow, mid-green foliage and carries abundant nectar-rich red “toothbrush” blooms, ideal for low-maintenance borders, feature planting, and second-line coastal sites. (Use low-phosphorus native fertiliser.)

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.0–1.8 m H × 1.0–2.0 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Narrow, evergreen mid-green leaves; dense, tidy habit; new growth can bronze in cool weather
• Flowers: Showy, nectar-rich red clusters (“toothbrush” style), freely produced
• Seasonal Interest: Late autumn–spring peak, with spot flowers much of the year in mild/coastal sites
• Wildlife Value: Strong draw for 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)
• 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 part shade (excellent performance in light shade)
• 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); 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 if sharply drained

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low hedge or backdrop in native borders
• Mass plant for long-season colour and bird appeal
• Feature near paths and outdoor living areas; suits large pots with free-draining native mix

Why You Will Love It

A set-and-forget grevillea that thrives even with a bit of shade, delivers months of vibrant red flowers, pulls in honeyeaters, and stays neat with a quick trim—perfect for high-impact, low-maintenance SA gardens.