What hardiness zones is Grevillea victoriae suitable for?

Grevillea victoriae is the royal grevillea (mountain grevillea), an evergreen shrub growing 72–96 inches (180–240 cm) tall and 60–96 inches (150–240 cm) wide. Pendant red to rust-orange spider-like flower clusters (racemes) 3–5 inches (7–13 cm) from late spring through midsummer — the individual flowers have long curved styles that give the characteristic 'spider flower' appearance of the genus. Gray-green to olive-green oval leaves 3–6 inches (7–15 cm) with silvery undersides. In the protea family (Proteaceae) — related to Banksia, Hakea, and macadamia (Macadamia). Proteoid (cluster) roots: the root system forms dense clusters of fine rootlets that are highly efficient at phosphorus uptake — standard phosphorus-containing fertilizers burn these roots and can kill the plant. Use only low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free fertilizer. The hardiest commonly cultivated Grevillea — native to the alpine and subalpine zones (4,000–6,500 feet / 1,200–2,000 m) of southeastern Australia (New South Wales and Victoria), tolerating brief periods to 10°F (−12°C). Damaged below 15°F (−9°C) for extended periods. Hummingbird-visited — the nectar-rich spider flowers are a nectar source. Sharp drainage required — root rot in heavy wet soil. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Full sun (6+ hours). Zones 8–9. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Native to the alpine and subalpine zones of southeastern Australia (New South Wales and Victoria), growing on rocky slopes and in open eucalyptus woodland at 4,000–6,500 feet (1,200–2,000 m).

Suggested Uses

Grown in borders and as specimens in zones 8–9. The spider-like flower clusters and the silvery-backed foliage are the features. No phosphorus fertilizer. Sharp drainage. Hummingbird-visited. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by pendant red to rust-orange spider-like flower clusters with long curved styles, and gray-green oval evergreen leaves with silvery undersides. The spider flower form and the protea family membership are the species identifiers. The hardiest commonly cultivated Grevillea. In Proteaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'

Width/Spread5' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer

Late spring to midsummer (May–July), lasting 6–8 weeks. Pendant red to rust-orange spider-like flower clusters. Hummingbird-visited. Sporadic rebloom with deadheading.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Red to rust-orange, pendant spider-like clusters (racemes) 3-5 inches (7-13 cm)

Foliage Description

Gray-green to olive-green, oval, 3-6 inches (7-15 cm), silvery undersides

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

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 Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Sharp drainage required. No phosphorus fertilizer (proteoid roots — phosphorus-sensitive). The hardiest Grevillea (brief tolerance to 10°F / −12°C). Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Hummingbird-visited. Zones 8–9.

Pruning

Tip-prune after flowering to maintain compact form. Remove spent flower clusters. Do not cut into old bare wood — regeneration from old wood is limited.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic