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Grevillea aquifolium

variable prickly grevillea

Proteaceae Southeastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Grevillea aquifolium is an evergreen shrub of the protea family with a highly variable habit, ranging from low and spreading at 1 foot (0.3 m) to upright at 6 feet (2 m), and spreading 3-10 feet (1-3 m) across, sometimes suckering into colonies. The stiff grey-green leaves are holly-like, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long, with sharp, prickly lobed margins, the source of both the species name and the common name. From late winter into spring it carries one-sided red flower clusters of the toothbrush type, with curved styles giving a brush-like look, rich in nectar that draws honeyeaters. Native to western Victoria and southeastern South Australia, it grows in open forest, woodland, and heath on well-drained sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils. It tolerates drought, frost, and poor soil once established but resists heavy, wet ground and is sensitive to phosphorus-rich fertilizers. The prickly foliage forms a dense, low barrier in spreading forms, working as habitat and shelter for small birds. Growth is moderate to quick, with flowering beginning two to three years after planting.

Native Range

Native to western Victoria and southeastern South Australia, where it grows in open forest, woodland, and heath on well-drained sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils. Its form varies widely across its range.

Suggested Uses

Used as a low groundcover, prickly barrier or screen, and bird-habitat plant in dry native gardens. Suited to well-drained sunny banks and low-water landscapes, spaced 3-6 feet (1-1.8 m) apart depending on the form.

How to Identify

Identified by stiff, grey-green, holly-like leaves 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long with sharp, prickly lobed margins, on a shrub that may be low and spreading or upright. One-sided red toothbrush-shaped flower clusters appear from late winter into spring. The prickly holly-like foliage and red toothbrush flowers separate it from softer-leaved grevilleas.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 6'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Winter Spring

One-sided red toothbrush flower clusters open from late winter into spring, roughly August to December. The curved styles give the clusters a brush-like form, and the nectar draws honeyeaters and other birds. Flowering is heaviest on plants in full sun.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Red to pinkish-red

Foliage Description

Grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

Fast; flowers in 2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on free-draining sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils and tolerates drought and frost once established. It needs sharp drainage and declines in heavy, wet ground. Occasional deep watering helps during establishment, after which it needs little extra water. As a protea-family plant it grows in low-phosphorus soils and is harmed by phosphorus-rich fertilizers. A light native fertilizer low in phosphorus suits it if feeding is wanted. The prickly foliage can be cut back to keep spreading forms in bounds.

Pruning

A light trim after flowering keeps the shrub dense and compact and can be repeated to control spreading or suckering forms. It tolerates pruning into younger wood. Removing dead or straggly stems maintains a tidy habit.