How to Grow Grevillea Rhyolitica

Grevillea rhyolitica, also called Deua Flame, is native to Australia. Although sold commercially, Grevillea royaltiesa is listed as endangered in its native habitat. With dense, green, lance-shaped leaves, this medium-sized shrub offers drought tolerance and lush growth. Bright red, tubular flowers appear in spring through early summer in dense clusters on pendulous flower stalks. The plant gets its species name from the rhyolitic, or volcanic, soil where it grows in the wild. This soil is highly acidic and nutritionally poor.

Grevillea rhyolitica
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Select a planting site with well-drained soil. Grevillea rhyolitica will tolerate full sun or shade and is not particular about soil nutrients.
- 2
  Use a shovel to dig a hole the same depth as the nursery container and about twice as wide. Soil amendments are not necessary. Place the plant in the hole, and backfill with native soil. Lightly tamp the soil to remove air pockets as your backfill.
- 3
  Water thoroughly and deeply, but do not fertilize. Fertilizer can cause phosphate toxicity, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and eventually black and then die. Phosphate toxicity can kill the plant. Water again when the soil is dry to help the roots become established. Continue to water when the soil is dry until the plant begins to grow; at that point, discontinue irrigation. Grevillea rhyolitica has specialized roots that store moisture obtained during winter, making it extremely drought tolerant.
- 4
  Prune after the plant flowers to keep growth lush. Grevillea rhyolitica tolerates shearing and can be shaped for use as a small hedge.

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