Overview
Summary
Grevillea olivacea, commonly known as Olive Leaf Grevillea, is a native Australian shrub from the genus Grevillea. It's prized for its ornamental value, hardy nature, and tolerance to various climatic conditions. The shrub's dense habit and ability to thrive in dry conditions make it ideal for hedges, screening, and coastal areas.
Key Features
- Size: Grows 1-4 metres high and 2-6 metres wide
- Habit: Upright to open, graceful
- Leaves: Elliptical to oval, 3-7 cm long, up to 3 cm wide
- Leaf surface: Glabrous upper, silky hairy underside
- Appearance: Resembles olive tree leaves in shape and colour
Natural Habitat
Grevillea olivacea is native to Western Australia, particularly the southwestern coastal regions. It's adapted to sandy or gravelly soils, thriving in full sun to partial shade. The shrub's natural habitat includes coastal heathlands and scrublands, where it's exposed to salt-laden winds and periods of drought.
Growing Guide
Cultivating Grevillea olivacea is straightforward when you understand its essential requirements and care needs. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you grow this stunning Australian native successfully.
Requirements
Grevillea olivacea thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least half a day of direct sunlight for optimal flowering. It prefers well-draining soils to prevent root rot. If your soil is heavy clay, improve drainage by applying gypsum and mounding the garden bed. This hardy shrub tolerates cool to warm temperatures but may struggle in areas with prolonged frost.
Planting Tips
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for your Grevillea olivacea. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and mix some native plant fertiliser into the backfill soil. Plant at the same depth as it was in its container, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Maintenance
Grevillea olivacea is low-maintenance once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertiliser in spring. Monitor for pests like scale insects and treat if necessary. Avoid excessive fertilisation, as it can harm the plant's natural resilience.
Uses & Benefits
Grevillea olivacea offers numerous benefits and versatile uses in garden landscapes. Its adaptability and attractive features make it a valuable addition to various garden designs and environments.
Garden Design
Grevillea olivacea excels in Mediterranean-style gardens, complementing other drought-tolerant plants. It's ideal for creating natural screens, hedges, and windbreaks, growing 1-2 metres high and wide. Use it as a focal point or in mixed native plant borders to add year-round interest with its olive-green foliage and vibrant flowers.
Wildlife Benefits
This shrub attracts a variety of nectar-feeding birds and insects, enhancing your garden's biodiversity. Its spider-like flowers provide a rich food source for native wildlife, including honeyeaters and butterflies. By planting Grevillea olivacea, you'll create a thriving ecosystem in your outdoor space, supporting local fauna throughout the year.
Special Features
Grevillea olivacea boasts exceptional drought tolerance once established, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens. It thrives in coastal areas, withstanding salt-laden winds and light frost. The shrub's versatility extends to various soil types, including slightly alkaline and well-drained soils, adapting well to different garden conditions.
Problems & Solutions
Grevillea olivacea, while generally low-maintenance, can face a few challenges. Here's a guide to common issues and effective solutions for this Australian native shrub.
Common Issues
Grevillea olivacea rarely suffers from pests or diseases. Poor drainage is the primary concern, potentially leading to root rot. Some individuals may experience skin irritation when handling the plant. Coastal winds can affect its growth if not managed properly. Overfertilisation can harm the plant's natural resilience and growth patterns.
Care Tips
Prune regularly after flowering to maintain a dense habit and encourage more blooms. Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root issues. Water deeply but infrequently, especially during establishment. Avoid overwatering as Grevillea olivacea prefers dry conditions. Use native plant fertiliser sparingly to maintain the plant's natural hardiness. Wear protective clothing when handling to prevent potential skin irritation.
Seasonal Notes
Grevillea olivacea flowers year-round, with peak blooming in spring and summer. It's drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering in summer. In winter, reduce watering further as the plant becomes dormant. Spring is ideal for planting and pruning. Protect young plants from frost in colder regions during winter months. Monitor for any signs of stress during extreme weather conditions.
Additional Information
Grevillea olivacea offers more than just its striking appearance and low-maintenance nature. Here's additional information to enhance your understanding of this Australian native shrub.
Varieties
Grevillea olivacea doesn't have many cultivated varieties. The most common form is the species itself, prized for its olive-green foliage and vibrant red or pink flowers. Some nurseries may offer slight variations in flower colour, ranging from deep red to bright orange, but these aren't officially recognised cultivars.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Grevillea olivacea from specialised native plant nurseries across Australia. Many online retailers also stock this species, offering seedlings or mature plants for delivery. Local garden centres in Western Australia are likely to carry this native shrub. Always buy from reputable sources to ensure healthy, disease-free plants.
Resources
For more information on Grevillea olivacea, consult the Australian Native Plants Society or the Royal Botanic Gardens websites. These resources provide detailed cultivation advice, species profiles, and conservation information. Your local botanic garden or native plant society may offer workshops or guided tours featuring this species. Scientific journals and horticultural publications also contain valuable research on Grevillea species.