What hardiness zones is Grevillea victoriae suitable for?

Grevillea victoriae is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Grevillea victoriae?

Grevillea victoriae requires Full Sun.

How much water does Grevillea victoriae need?

Grevillea victoriae has Low water needs.

Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Grevillea victoriae

Royal Grevillea

Proteaceae

Southeastern Australia (NSW and Victoria)

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitUpright

FoliageEvergreen

Height6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m)

Width5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m)

Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

8 - 9

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Hummingbirds

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Maintenancelow

Overview

Grevillea victoriae is an evergreen shrub reaching 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) tall with a spread of 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m). Leaves are leathery, elliptic to lance-shaped, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with entire margins; the upper surface is dark green to olive-green and the underside is densely covered in silvery-white to gray silky hairs, creating a striking bicolor effect when wind moves the foliage. The plant forms an upright to somewhat spreading multi-stemmed shrub. From October through March, terminal and axillary clusters of 10–20 flowers appear at branch tips; each flower consists of a tubular perianth approximately 1–1 1/2 inches (2.5–4 cm) long in rusty-orange to salmon-red, from which a long curved style protrudes prominently — the protruding styles are the most visually distinctive feature of Grevillea flowers. These flowers are rich in nectar and are a premier hummingbird-attracting plant in Pacific Northwest winter gardens. Growth rate is moderate; plants approach mature dimensions in 5–7 years. Sensitive to phosphorus — do not use fertilizers containing phosphorus. Requires excellent drainage. Hardy to approximately 10–15°F (−12°C to −9°C); reliable in zones 8–9.

Native Range

Native to southeastern Australia (New South Wales and Victoria), found in subalpine woodlands, rocky ridges, and montane heath at elevations of 1,000–6,000 feet (300–1,800 m), typically in well-drained, nutrient-poor acidic soils. The specific epithet victoriae refers to the state of Victoria, Australia.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen shrub in a sheltered, sunny, well-drained location — south or west-facing slopes or wall-backed positions are ideal. The winter hummingbird attraction is the primary ecological and ornamental asset. The bicolor silver-backed foliage provides year-round textural interest. Used in Mediterranean-climate, drought-tolerant, or Australian native plant gardens. Not suited to heavy clay, wet soils, sites exposed to severe winter winds, or any fertilizer containing phosphorus.

How to Identify

Identified by the leathery elliptic-lanceolate leaves with dark green to olive-green upper surface and densely silvery-white to gray silky undersides (bicolor), combined with the rusty-orange to salmon-red spider-like flowers with prominently protruding curved styles in winter to spring. The bicolor leaf and the exotic protruding-style flower are together diagnostic. Distinguished from other Grevillea species by the elliptic-lanceolate (not needle-like or deeply divided) leaves, rusty-orange to salmon (not yellow or white) flower color, and the winter blooming period.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'

Width/Spread5' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

orange

red

salmon

Foliage Colors

dark green

silver

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

FallWinterSpring

Flowers October through March in USDA zones 8–9, with peak bloom November–February. Terminal and axillary clusters of 10–20 flowers; perianth approximately 1–1 1/2 inches (2.5–4 cm) long, rusty-orange to salmon-red; style prominently curved and protruding beyond the perianth, 1 1/2–2 inches (4–5 cm) long. Nectar-rich; strongly attractive to Anna's hummingbirds in Pacific Northwest winter gardens.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rusty-orange to salmon-red with prominently protruding curved styles

Foliage Description

Dark green to olive-green above; densely silvery-white to gray silky beneath — bicolor

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 5-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sandloamrocky

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5–7 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Requires excellent drainage; plants in clay or wet soils develop root rot within 1–2 seasons. Plant on slopes, raised beds, or in sandy/gritty soils. Full sun produces the most prolific bloom. CRITICAL: do not use fertilizers containing phosphorus — Grevillea is Proteaceae and is highly sensitive to phosphorus, which causes rapid decline. Use a phosphorus-free slow-release fertilizer or none at all. Established plants are drought tolerant; water weekly for the first two growing seasons, then reduce to once or twice a month in summer. Provide shelter from cold desiccating winds in zones 8–8b; a south or west-facing wall provides winter protection. Hardy to approximately 10–15°F (−12°C to −9°C).

Pruning

Light pruning after the main bloom flush (March–April) encourages branching and maintains a compact habit. Remove spent flower clusters and shorten long shoots by one-quarter to one-third. Do not cut into old leafless wood — regrowth is poor. Remove any frost-damaged shoot tips in spring after the danger of frost has passed.

Pruning Schedule

spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic