Grevillea banksii
scarlet grevillea
Overview
Grevillea banksii is an evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 6-16 feet (2-5 m) tall and 5-13 feet (1.5-4 m) wide, with an upright, sometimes multi-stemmed form. Leaves are deeply divided into 3-11 narrow lobes, each leaf 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, dark green above and covered with silky white hairs beneath. Cylindrical flower clusters 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long appear at the branch tips, composed of many curved flowers in red to pink, occasionally cream. Each flower has a long protruding style in the manner typical of Grevillea spp.. Flowering extends over much of the year, with a peak in winter and spring. The flowers produce nectar and are visited by honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds. Fruit is a leathery follicle 0.5-0.8 inch (12-20 mm) long containing one or two seeds. Growth is moderately fast, reaching flowering size within 2-3 years. The species is frost-sensitive and is damaged below about 28 F (-2 C). It is short-lived in cultivation, often declining after 8-12 years, and can produce many seedlings near established plants in frost-free regions. Roots are sensitive to phosphorus, and contact with the foliage causes skin irritation in some individuals.
Native Range
Native to coastal central and southern Queensland, Australia, where it grows in heath, open forest, and on sandy soils near the coast. It occurs at low elevations, generally below 1,300 feet (400 m).Suggested Uses
Planted as a screen, windbreak, or specimen in frost-free gardens, spaced 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) apart. Used in bird-attracting and low-water plantings. The irritant foliage limits placement near paths and play areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 16'
Width/Spread5' - 13'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Flowers over an extended period, with the heaviest flush from late autumn through spring (May to October in the Southern Hemisphere). Scattered flowering can occur year-round in warm climates. Individual flower clusters last 3-4 weeks. Cool temperatures slow flower production.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red to pink, occasionally creamFoliage Description
Dark green above, silvery-white beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade in well-drained sandy or loam soils. Water regularly through the first year to establish; mature plants tolerate dry periods of 3-4 weeks but flower less during prolonged drought. Low-phosphorus fertiliser suits the plant, as Grevillea spp. roots are damaged by high phosphorus levels. Frost below 28 F (-2 C) damages foliage and young growth. Root rot develops in poorly drained or waterlogged soils. Lifespan in cultivation is typically 8-12 years.Pruning
Light pruning after the main flowering flush maintains a compact shape and encourages branching. Cutting back into bare old wood may not produce new shoots. Tip-pruning young plants several times in the first two years increases density.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring