Grevilleas are one of my favorite choices for a drought-tolerant, deer-resistant garden, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s why I love incorporating these versatile plants into my garden:

1. Heat Resistance: Grevilleas can endure scorching 100-degree days in full sun without a hitch. Coming from Australia, they’re well-suited to hot climates and thrive even in the most intense heat.
2. Deer Resistance: Thanks to their unique foliage and flowers, grevilleas are incredibly deer-resistant. I’ve observed entire deer families strolling right past my grevilleas without even attempting a nibble.
3. Winter Interest: In my mild climate (zone 9), grevilleas continue to shine even in winter. Some varieties bloom in late winter when other plants are still dormant, providing much-needed color in the garden during those quiet months.
4. Continuous Blooms: Grevilleas aren’t one-hit wonders; they bloom intermittently throughout the year, much to the delight of hummingbirds and other pollinators. These plants are consistently covered with vibrant blooms, making them a year-round attraction.
5. Versatility in Flower Shape and Color: Grevilleas come in an impressive variety of flower shapes and sizes. From spidery 6-inch flowers to 1-inch curlicue blooms, the range of colors is just as diverse, with hues spanning from vibrant reds and oranges to softer pastels like peach, yellow, and creamy whites.
6. Size Variety: Grevilleas offer a wide range of sizes, from small 2-foot groundcovers to towering 15-foot varieties, making them ideal for various garden uses, such as privacy screens, background plants, or winter-blooming groundcovers.

Ideal for Warmer Climates

While some grevilleas can tolerate colder temperatures down to zone 7, they generally do best in warmer climates. The most important factor in keeping grevilleas healthy, especially in colder zones, is ensuring well-drained soil. They hate having their roots sit in standing water. Once established, grevilleas require little watering; I usually deep-soak them every two weeks during the hottest summer months and rarely add fertilizer.

If your grevillea’s foliage turns yellow, it may be a sign it needs a little extra care. For those times, I’ve had great success using Ironite spray, which is specifically designed to help with yellowing plants, and I recommend applying it when the ground is moist for the best results.

Pruning and Care

Grevilleas are relatively low-maintenance plants. They respond well to pruning, which encourages even more blooms, so don’t hesitate to trim back any wayward branches. In fact, regular pruning helps maintain a healthy shape and encourages new growth.

My Favorite Grevillea Varieties

Now that you know why I love grevilleas, here are a few varieties I recommend for different needs in the garden:

Groundcovers and Small Varieties (3-feet or less)

• Grevillea ‘Fanfare’: This evergreen groundcover is a fantastic choice for suppressing weeds and requires minimal water. It grows about 1 foot tall and spreads 10-15 feet wide, with dark red, toothbrush-shaped flowers that steal the show. It’s a rare find, but definitely worth it if you come across it.
• Grevillea ‘Mt. Tamboritha’: With its succulent-like foliage and small coral-pink flowers, this groundcover is hardy down to 25°F. It blooms throughout the year, starting in January, and makes a stunning addition to the front of borders.
• Grevillea ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’: A wonderful variety for winter gardens, ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ has vibrant red-orange and yellow blooms and grows to about 2.5 feet tall. It adds a pop of color in the cooler months.

Mid-Sized Varieties (3 to 6 feet tall)

• Grevillea ‘Superb’: Known for its large coral and orange flowers, this shrub blooms intermittently throughout the year. It’s a showstopper in the garden and is ideal for full sun with fast-draining soil.
• Grevillea ‘Peaches & Cream’: If you prefer pastels, this variety offers soft apricot and cream blooms. It attracts a variety of birds and pollinators, adding both beauty and life to your garden.

Larger Varieties (6 feet and above)

• Grevillea ‘Long John’: This towering grevillea is one of my favorites, with long, thin needle-like foliage and dark rose-pink flowers. It grows 10-15 feet tall and attracts a wide range of beneficial insects and hummingbirds.
• Grevillea ‘Moonlight’: Growing up to 15 feet tall, this grevillea produces creamy white, nectar-rich flowers that bees absolutely love. It’s perfect for a bold impact in the garden, though hummingbirds tend to overlook it.

Tough, Deer-Resistant Varieties

• Grevillea ‘Scarlet Sprite’: This shrub grows to 4 feet by 6 feet and features sharp, needle-like foliage with red flowers. I use it as a barrier plant to keep deer away from more vulnerable plants in my garden.

Conclusion

Grevilleas are incredibly versatile, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, making them an excellent choice for gardens in hot, dry climates. Their diverse range of colors, shapes, and sizes allows them to fit into various garden designs, from small groundcovers to towering statement plants. Whether you want to attract pollinators, add year-round interest, or create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape, grevilleas are a fantastic option to consider.