Grevilleas for the Maritime Pacific Northwest

Two cultivars of Grevillea juniperina: apricot ‘Molonglo’ and ‘Low Red’. Author's photographs

Native shrubs from Down Under, grevilleas are proving to be cold hardy and adaptable to the maritime Pacific Northwest. Drought-tolerant and carefree, they provide months of color with exotic flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds and gardeners alike. Once relegated to the corners of botanical gardens in our region, more species and cultivars are poised to move from the shadows into the spotlight.

Grevillea is a diverse and enormous genus, ranging from groundcovers to tall trees, that is native almost exclusively to Australia (with a few species in New Guinea). All are evergreen members of the protea family (Proteaceae), an ancient group of plants centered in the Southern Hemisphere. They have long been grown in California but have recently garnered the attention of Pacific Northwest gardeners. Experiments with a few alpine members of the genus have opened the door to a wider array of species and cultivars that expand our understanding and enjoyment of these plants. As more become available to gardeners, t...