Compact grevilleas

Grevilleas are just the thing for attracting birds and other wildlife to the garden. AB BISHOP showcases a selection of compact varieties that suit any space

We all love to see birds, bees and butterflies enjoying the garden, and grevilleas, with their nectar-rich flowers, are the perfect way to attract them. There are hundreds of species in an abundance of colours and sizes. Some of my favourites are the compact forms that grow to about 1.5m tall, because you can enjoy them in small spaces as well as big gardens, where they can be used to fill out borders. Many also do well in pots. Here’s a selection of readily available compact varieties.

PEACHES AND CREAM

Nectar lovers flock to feed from the pretty, bicoloured flowers of this mounded shrub. Along with the much-loved ‘Robyn Gordon’ and ‘Superb’, ‘Peaches and Cream’ is a cross between G. banksii (Queensland) and G. bipinnatifida (Western Australia). It flowers from spring through autumn, has moderate frost tolerance and is a good choice for coastal gardens.

1.5m 1.5m ST WT CT

JELLY BABY

A very special groundcover, with small, grey leaves, and pink and cream flowers resembling the lollies (although it's actually named in memory of a family dog!). Only the occasional trim is needed. Ideal for pots and garden edging, or try mass planting for a dramatic effect. Flowering from late winter through spring, it has good frost and drought tolerance, and is suitable for coastal gardens.

0.4m 1m ST WT CT

FIREWORKS

From autumn through winter and spring, red and yellow flowers appear to explode out of this low, mounded shrub. A cross between G. alpina and G. rosmarinifolia, it has green, needle-like foliage reminiscent of rosemary, and good drought and frost resistance. Use in pots or a mixed bed, or as a delightful, informal hedge.

1m 1m ST A WT CT

DEUA GOLD

Light apricot flowers at the ends of gently arching branches on this plant brighten the gloomiest winter day, and its glossy green, lanceolate leaves provide a verdancy that is not always associated with grevilleas. Extremely frost and drought tolerant, its dense growth makes it an excellent low screen or, for larger gardens, part of a multi-layered windbreak planting.

1.2m 1.5m A WT CT

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The bicoloured flowers of 'Peaches and Cream' are favourites with nectar-loving visitors; with its explosion of red and yellow blooms, 'Fireworks' puts on a brilliant display in garden beds or pots; extremely frost and drought tolerant, 'Deua Gold' provides welcome winter colour; requiring minimal maintenance, 'Jelly Baby' is an ideal choice for coastal gardens.