Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' 15g

Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ is a durable Australian native hybrid shrub grown for its nearly year-round bloom, red to pinkish-red flowers, and strong attraction to hummingbirds. Originating as a chance hybrid at Dave Gordon’s Myall Park property in Queensland, Australia, it involves Grevillea banksii and Grevillea bipinnatifida and was named in memory of Robyn Gordon. This fast-growing evergreen shrub is especially useful in Southern California landscapes where long-season flower color and nectar value are desired during times of the year when other nectar sources may be limited. Its smaller mature size compared with larger grevilleas such as ‘Long John’ and ‘Moonlight’ allows for broader use in residential, commercial, and water-wise landscape applications.

Quick Facts:

Botanical Name: Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’

Common Name: Robyn Gordon Grevillea

Plant Type: Evergreen Australian native hybrid shrub

Mature Size: Approximately 4–6 feet tall and wide

Exposure: Morning sun to full sun; performs well in heat with good drainage

Water: Low once established; adaptable to several irrigation schedules where drainage is good Soil: Well-drained soil required; avoid prolonged wet conditions

Bloom Season: Nearly year-round in mild climates

Flower Color: Red to pinkish red

Foliage Color: Medium green

Wildlife Value: Flowers attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds; may also be visited by bees and other pollinators

Origin: Chance hybrid from Myall Park, Queensland, Australia, involving Grevillea banksii and Grevillea bipinnatifida

Landscape Uses: Hummingbird gardens, water-wise landscapes, Mediterranean-style gardens, mixed shrub borders, privacy plantings, commercial landscapes, residential gardens, and containers where size can be managed

Habit & Size: Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ forms a fast-growing evergreen shrub with an open, upright, mounding habit, typically reaching 4–6 feet tall and wide. Medium-green foliage provides year-round structure, while red to pinkish-red flowers are produced for much of the year in suitable conditions. The plant’s moderate size makes it easier to use than larger grevilleas where space, sightlines, or maintenance access are important.

Cultural Requirements: Performs best in full sun to morning sun with well-drained soil. Once established, ‘Robyn Gordon’ has low water needs, although it can tolerate several irrigation schedules when drainage is adequate. Avoid poorly drained soils, heavy wet conditions, and excessive fertility. Like many members of the Proteaceae family, grevilleas should not be treated with high-phosphorus fertilizers unless product suitability is confirmed. Light pruning after bloom cycles can help maintain density and shape.

Landscape Uses: Useful in hummingbird gardens, water-wise plantings, Mediterranean-style landscapes, mixed shrub borders, commercial landscapes, and residential gardens where year-round foliage and long-season bloom are desired. Its flowers are particularly valuable in Southern California gardens because they provide nectar during periods when other landscape plants may not be flowering heavily. It can also be used as a medium-sized informal screen, accent shrub, or container specimen where irrigation and drainage can be controlled.

Identification Note: ‘Robyn Gordon’ is distinguished by its medium-green foliage, compact to medium shrub size, and red to pinkish-red toothbrush-type flowers produced over a long season. Compared with larger grevilleas such as ‘Long John’ and ‘Moonlight’, it remains smaller and is easier to place in a wider range of landscape settings. Similar Grevilleas include 'Superb' and 'Mason's Hybrid.'

Pests and Cultural Considerations: Generally durable when grown in sun and well-drained soil. Root problems may occur in poorly drained sites or where plants remain too wet. Chlorosis or weak growth may occur where soil or fertilizer conditions are unsuitable. Occasional insect pests may occur but are usually secondary to site stress. Light pruning helps maintain a denser habit, but severe pruning into older wood should be avoided unless plant vigor is strong.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ native to California? No. ‘Robyn Gordon’ is an Australian native hybrid cultivar grown in California as an ornamental landscape shrub.

Where did Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ originate? It originated as a chance hybrid at Dave Gordon’s Myall Park property in Queensland, Australia, involving Grevillea banksii and Grevillea bipinnatifida.

How large does ‘Robyn Gordon’ grow? It typically reaches approximately 4–6 feet tall and wide, depending on site conditions, irrigation, and pruning.

Does ‘Robyn Gordon’ bloom year-round? In mild Southern California climates, it can flower for much of the year, with bloom often described as nearly year-round under favorable conditions.

Does ‘Robyn Gordon’ attract hummingbirds? Yes. The red to pinkish-red flowers are a strong nectar source and are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds including orioles.

How much water does ‘Robyn Gordon’ need? Once established, it has low water needs. It can tolerate several irrigation schedules where drainage is good, but it should not be kept in poorly drained or constantly wet soil.

Can ‘Robyn Gordon’ grow in full sun? Yes. It performs well in full sun to morning sun and tolerates heat when planted in well-drained soil.

Is ‘Robyn Gordon’ smaller than ‘Long John’ or ‘Moonlight’? Yes. ‘Robyn Gordon’ generally matures at a smaller size than larger grevilleas such as ‘Long John’ and ‘Moonlight’, making it easier to use in residential landscapes, commercial plantings, and smaller garden spaces.

Can ‘Robyn Gordon’ be pruned? Yes. Light pruning can help maintain shape and density. Avoid severe pruning into older woody growth unless the plant is vigorous and actively growing.

Is ‘Robyn Gordon’ good for water-wise landscapes? Yes. Its low water needs once established, long bloom season, and hummingbird value make it useful in water-wise and Mediterranean-style Southern California landscapes.

Are there similar sized Grevilleas that have different flower colors? Yes. Grevillea 'Superb' and Grevillea 'Mason's Hybrid' are very similar in size, form, and landscape use. Each has a different flower color and very similar leaf shape and color. Mix and match where color variation is desired.