Grevillea rosmarinifolia - Rosemary Grevillea

The Grevillea rosmarinifolia, commonly known as the Rosemary Grevillea, is a dense evergreen shrub of south eastern Australia, carrying fine, narrow, rosemary-like leaves on a rounded frame. Clusters of red and cream spider flowers are held at the branch tips through much of the year, with the heaviest flush in winter and spring. It flowers over a longer season than most Australian shrubs of its size and is a reliable nectar plant for birds. It is used in informal screening, median mass planting, mixed dryland borders and wildlife-focused schemes. Specifications: Height: 1 to 2 metres Width: 1.5 to 2.5 metres Native to: South eastern Australia, in New South Wales and Victoria Foliage: Fine, narrow, dark green rosemary-like leaves with silvery undersides, held densely; evergreen Growth rate: Moderate Conditions: Soil: Requires well-drained sandy or gravelly soils that are low in phosphorus; will not tolerate wet or heavily fertilised ground Light: Full sun to partial shade Water: Low; drought-tolerant once established Climate: Thrives in Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid regions with hot dry summers; tolerates frost Additional Features: Flowers: Clusters of red and cream spider flowers at the branch tips over a long season, heaviest in winter and spring Uses: Informal screening and hedging, median and roundabout mass planting, mixed dryland borders, wildlife habitat schemes Spacing: Plant 1.2 to 1.8 metres apart for a continuous informal screen Low Maintenance: Tip prune after each flush to hold density; avoid phosphorus fertilisers, which damage the root system Pest Resistance: Generally robust where drainage is good; root rot is the main risk in wet ground Drought Tolerance: Good once established, flowering on low irrigation Wildlife Attraction: A dependable nectar source for honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds through the cool season Seasonal Appeal: Flowers across most of the year, with the main display when much of the palette is dormant The Rosemary Grevillea flowers when little else does and brings nectar-feeding birds with it.