Grevillea robusta

Common Name:
Silky Oak

Description:
Grevillea robusta, commonly known as the Silky Oak, is the largest of all grevilleas and one of the most impressive flowering trees in the Australian landscape. Native to the east coast of Australia, this fast-growing evergreen tree is known for its graceful, fern-like foliage and brilliant display of golden-orange toothbrush-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are highly attractive to birds, bees, and other pollinators, making it an excellent habitat tree. Despite its common name, it is not a true oak but earned its nickname from the silky texture of its fine, pinnate leaves. In Melbourne, Grevillea robusta thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, and it is tolerant of drought and light frost once established. It grows rapidly and can be used as a feature tree, shelterbelt, or in rural plantings. While stunning in full bloom, it’s best suited to larger gardens or open spaces due to its mature size and shallow root system.

Form:

• Tree - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 15 to 30 metres

• Width: 6 to 12 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• Golden Orange

Key Attributes:

• Australian native

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Drought Tolerant

• Fast Growing

• Suitable for Windbreaks

• Suitable for Feature Planting

• Evergreen

• Timber Tree

• Habitat Tree

Toxicity:
Skin irritation may occur from contact with foliage or sawdust. Not considered highly toxic but can be mildly allergenic to sensitive individuals.

Companion Plants:

• Eucalyptus sideroxylon

• Acacia melanoxylon

• Callistemon citrinus

• Lomandra longifolia

• Hardenbergia violacea