If you want to make a difference to the Australian environment, plant a grevillea. They are easy to grow and nectar-feeding birds adore them. Many grevilleas flower nearly all year, even in the winter when food for the birds is scarce.
There are hundreds of species of grevilleas, ranging from ground covers through to trees. They have attractive, deeply divided leaves and flower colours from red through orange, apricot, yellow, mauve, pink and white. Some species have small, spidery flower clusters, while others have large heads of toothbrush-type flowers.
To grow and flower at their best, grevilleas need full sun and good drainage. They also benefit from regular pruning after main flower flushes to promote bushiness and encourage even more flowers.
Further information
There are grevilleas suited to all climates in Australia. Check with your local nursery or specialist native plant nursery (such as the ones listed below) for the best varieties to grow in your area.
NSW
Annangrove Grevilleas Native Nursery, Kenthurst. Phone: (02) 9654 1380
Cranebrook Native Nursery, Cranebrook. Phone: (02) 4777 4256
Palm Land & Sydney Wildflower Nursery, Terrey Hills. Phone: (02) 9450 1555
Sydney Wildflower Nursery West, Marsden Park. Phone: (02) 9628 4448
Sydney Wildflower Nursery South, Heathcote. Phone: (02) 9548 2818
QLD
Fairhill Native Plants, Yandina. Phone: (07) 5446 7088
Nielsen’s Native Nursery, Loganholme. Phone: (07) 3806 1414
SANellie Nursery, Mannum. Phone: (08) 8569 1762
VIC
Kuranga Native Nursery, Ringwood. Phone: (03) 9879 4076
Mt Cassell Native Nursery, Pomonal. Phone: (03) 5356 6351
WA
Zanthorrea Nursery, Maida Vale. Phone: (08) 9454 6260