How do you grow Grevillea robusta
Ava Hall
Updated on April 14, 2026
The grevillea robusta grows best in full sun. Although, no matter where you put it, it will likely be the one getting the most sunlight as well due to its size. Growing up to 100 feet tall it will stand head and shoulders above other smaller trees.
How fast does Grevillea robusta grow?
Growth and yield. Grevillea robusta is therefore not a high priority plantation timber species. When it is planted singly or in lines, annual growth rates of 2 m (height) and 2 cm (diameter) over the first 5 years are commonly achieved in a number of countries where climate and soils are suitable.
Are Grevillea robusta roots invasive?
It has become naturalised in many places, including on the Atherton Tableland in Australia and in South Africa, New Zealand, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Jamaica and Florida. It is regarded as a weed in parts of New South Wales and Victoria, as “invasive” in Hawaii and as an “invader” in South Africa.
Where do I plant Grevillea robusta?
- DESCRIPTION: Tall fast-growing ornamental native tree with a slender conical silhouette. …
- USE IN: Plant as a tall shade tree or feature tree. …
- LOCATION: Plant in well drained soil in full sun to part shade. …
- CARE: Maintenance free once established. …
- HEIGHT: 10-15m in gardens.
How long does Grevillea robusta live?
The Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) is a very popular native tree in Australian gardens and can grow to 20 metres and live for up to 100 years.
Can you grow Grevillea indoors?
Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) Although known mostly as a towering specimen tree, the silky oak is highly adaptable as a low growing indoors plant if cared for well. Plant tubestock into a medium-large sized pot and place in a sunny, well-lit window with plenty of air circulation.
How often should I water Grevillea?
All Grevilleas love full sun and because they don’t like wet feet they will adore a slopping or raised garden bed. Dry conditions and long periods without rain will not trouble them and a good water once a week when they are established will be sufficient.
What is Photinia robusta?
Photinia Robusta (Photinia x fraseri)is a spectacular fast growing dense evergreen shrub.Is Grevillea robusta a hardwood?
Timber: Grevillea yields a medium-weight hardwood with a density of 540-720 kg/cubic m at 15% moisture content. The timber has economic potential.
What is the common name for Grevillea robusta?Family Name:ProteaceaeSynonyms:Grevillea robusta var. compacta, Stylurus robusta, Grevillea umbraticaCommon Name:Silky Oak, Australian Silky Oak, Southern Silky Oak, Silk Oak, Silkoak
Article first time published onHow poisonous are oak trees to horses?
Oak leaves and acorns contain tannic acid which is poisonous to horses and though eating a small number of leaves or acorns is almost certainly harmless, they can also be addictive, and once a horse has acquired a taste for them they can actively search them out.
How can you tell if oak is silky?
Like other woods that exhibit the strongest figure in quartersawn pieces, (such as Sycamore), Silky Oak has the most pronounced figure and displays the largest flecks when perfectly quartersawn; this is due to the wood’s large rays, whose layout can be seen the clearest when looking at the endgrain.
Are Grevillea native to Australia?
A native of Victoria and South Australia, Grevillea dimorpha is one of the best of the smaller grevilleas, providing a long season of bright red flowers any time between autumn and early spring. It is a very hardy shrub of tough, stiff growth and generally reaches a size of about 1.5 m high and 1 m wide.
How do you grow oak silky?
Growing Silky Oak from Seed Soaking the seeds for 24 hours in cold water before sowing this increases the chances of germination. Sow the soaked seeds in well-draining seedbeds placed in shady areas or in containers. The germination occurs within 2 to 4 weeks.
How long do Grevillea seeds take to germinate?
Now the second tip is when those seeds are ripe, they’ll be brown and just put a little nick in the side of the seed coat with a razor blade, plant them into a normal potting mix and wait for about one or two months and a good percentage of those seeds will germinate.
Why do my grevilleas keep dying?
If the drainage is poor then grevilleas can quickly suffer from root rot diseases, like phytophthora. Typically the grevillea will look thirsty with leaves quickly turning brown and usually clinging to the branches. Extra watering doesn’t fix the problem and the plant usually dies in a short period of time.
Do grevilleas need full sun?
All grevilleas are sun-lovers so plant in a position with full sun. They will survive in a partly shady spot but your plant will become leggy and won’t develop as many flowers. Grevillea’s also don’t like to have wet feet so make sure you’re using a soil that’s well draining.
Should grevilleas be pruned?
One of the best times to prune your grevilleas is in spring. It can be devastating to see the beautiful blooms fall to the ground. But don’t be afraid to sacrifice a few flowers! Pruning in spring is very beneficial, as the plant is experiencing a surge of active growth.
Can you grow grevilleas in pots?
Choose a compact grevillea that is suitable for growing in a container. Place the pot in a position that receives full sun to part shade. Fill the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Carefully remove the plant from the pot disturbing the roots as little as possible.
Are grevilleas good cut flowers?
Grevilleas are also charming as cut flowers. If you think you know grevilleas, think again. You may have the red-flowered grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ (pictured above) in the garden. After all, it is one of Australia’s most popular and widely grown shrubs, but there’s so much more.
What kind of soil do Grevilleas like?
For the most part they like full sun or partial shade and they prefer well-drained soils. Avoid soils with a pH of more than 7; grevilleas prefer to get their roots down into more acidic soils. In less well-drained soil creating a raised planting area will aid drainage and help keep your grevillea happy.
Can you hedge Grevillea?
Grevillea rosmarinifolia has spiky, rosemary-like foliage that can create an excellent medium sized hedge. Also used in shrubberies and native gardens and are striking when mass planted. This native shrub is moderately frost hardy and drought tolerant once established. Plant in a full sun to light shade position.
How do you plant kangaroo paws?
Planting kangaroo paws Very little soil improvement is required. Simply dig a planting hole to twice the pot size and open the soil up by turning it over. Many people find that they get the best results from the newer, smaller hybrids when they are grown in pots. This is because it is much easier to manage watering.
Is Grevillea robusta good for firewood?
It is also cultivated for fuelwood, including firewood and charcoal, protective windbreaks and honey production. The flowers produce reasonable quantities of nectar. … The nectar also helps to nourish and sustain nectar-eating birds in its native region, making it an important wildlife tree.
Is Grevillea toxic?
They’re poisonous if you eat them fresh from the branch. Some grevillea species can trigger itching, redness and rashes if children have an allergic reaction on contact. All parts, especially the leaves, are poisonous (the stems are safe when cooked).
How tall do Grevilleas grow?
Grevillea is very fast growing and can live 50 to 65 years. This evergreen has a rugged look. It can grow to be over 100 feet (30 m.) tall, but most mature trees are around 50 to 80 feet (15-24 m.)
How long do photinia robusta take to grow?
Height – Over time Photinia robusta will reach 8 metres in height, however usually pruned to around 3m. Spread – To 6 -8 metres over time. Growth rate – Fast. 3 -4 metres in four years is not uncommon in good soils.
How far apart should Photinias be planted?
If you want to grow Photinia Red Robin as a hedge, individual plants should be about 75cm (2ft 6in)apart for a quick growing dense hedge. When grown against a wall or fence then the plants should be at least 60cm / 2ft from the wall or fence.
What do you feed a robusta photinia?
When it comes to feeding, photinia will appreciate an application of 12-month controlled-release fertiliser at the start of spring. This will keep plants healthy and growing strongly. Compost or well-weathered animal manures may also be applied as a mulch over the roots to provide a little extra nourishment.
Is Oak native to Australia?
There are no true oak trees native to Australia. Although one native Australian tree go by the name of oak, it does not belong to the Quercus genus….
Why does my horse eat acorns?
Some horses are naturally more susceptible to acorn poisoning, a small amount may make them ill. Overgrazed paddocks or long hot summers reducing grazing quality increase the chance of horses eating acorns. An increase in acorn fall after strong winds or storms.