Grevillea
By Megan Edwards UCCE Master Gardener
‘Grevillea ‘Superb'
Proteaceae (Proteas)
Planting areas: Sunset Zones 16-24
Size: 5' wide to 6' tall
Bloom season: late winter to late autumn.
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Pruning needs: not regularly required; can handle modest to heavy pruning when needed.
Water needs: low
“A Superb Ornamental Shrub”
Do you have your eyes on the Grevillea family of evergreen shrubs? The handsome Grevillea ‘Superb' is an excellent choice. This hybrid is an upright, airy ornamental shrub and is well-adapted to our Mediterranean climate and landscaping aesthetic. Let's explore the valuable attributes Grevillea ‘Superb' has to offer in three main areas: ornamental, landscaping and, environmental.
Ornamental features dominate in this Australian native, with mesmerizing clusters of coral-pink and yellow flowers that bloom nearly year-round. Its delicate fern-like foliage lends itself well to propagation cuttings and floral arrangements alike.
The landscaping attributes include the overall low-maintenance needs and versatility. The delicate and open composition make for an eye-catching, stand-alone accent with a compact appearance. Grevillea ‘Superb' should be planted four to six feet apart to allow for its six-foot canopy and sufficient root space. With this in-mind, Grevillea ‘Superb' is a good choice for courtyards, xeriscapes, cottage and Mediterranean-themed gardens; and excellent as hedges, screens, boarders and windbreaks. A word of caution: some people experience skin irritation when in contact with the Grevillea foliage. Proceed carefully when exploring this ornamental plant.
Grevillea ‘Superb' requires little water once established and will tolerate high heat and poor soil, making it a natural choice for water-wise gardening goals. Its abundance of nectar is a veritable buffet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. As an added bonus, it is deer resistant! Grevillea typically has few insect pest issues, but should be monitored for scale and mealybugs regularly. Monitor the plant's overall health for early detection of issues related to soil nutrients and water management.
The low-maintenance needs and aesthetic values make this Grevillea truly superb!