Grevillea crithmifolia (Grevillea Green Carpet) | Growing + Care Guide Australia

Grevillea crithmifolia Features

Grevillea are part of the Proteaceae family, which feature a lot across Australian gardens. The Grevillea crithmifolia prostrate is a smaller growing Grevillea species favoured for its dense, ground-cover like growth. 

Due to its heavy spreading habit, it’s affectionately known as the grevillea green carpet. This cultivar produces a dense mass of acicular leaves and profuse clusters of small, sweet-smelling, nectar-rich flowers. 

The crithmifolia has been used widely for commercial and private landscaping. Although technically considered a ground cover or dividing plant for flower beds, when cultivated correctly, it can provide taller growth for hedging. 

The many clustered blooms are also incredibly nectar-rich, meaning they often attract a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies and nectar-feeding birds.

Growing Grevillea crithmifolia

One of the many added benefits of grevillea green carpet is that it is particularly easy to establish and will often thrive in conditions in which other flowering species may not. 

The crithmifolia can tolerate a wide range of soil, including limestone. Although a rich, well-draining growing medium is advisable, these plants tend to establish themselves in most kinds of soils, including high-alkaline soils.

Ideally, you’ll want to pick a spot with plenty of sunshine for optimal plant health and bloom. However, partly shaded areas will work too. As it’s a sun-loving species, indoor growth is not always ideal.

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Plus, with such a vigorous growth rate, it is far better suited to spread and thrive somewhere in your garden. This species can also be cultivated in a pot. In this instance, it will be important to ensure sufficient drainage to avoid issues such as root rot.

How to Propagate crithmifolia

The crithmifolia can be propagated by seed or by cutting. Both methods are often successful. However, cuttings can take slightly longer to root and will require a few years to begin flowering. 

However, if you’re happy to be patient, it’s an easy and cost-effective method. Alternatively, an established plant can also be obtained from local nurseries that specialise in Australian natives and Proteaceae varieties. 

Growing Grevillea crithmifolia from Cutting

Cuttings should be taken from semi-ripened tips during the summer. Be sure to take a cutting from a healthy, thriving plant for optimal results. Here is what you’ll need to do:

• Remove a stem cutting around 6 to 8cm in length. Leave a few good leaves at the top of the cutting and remove the rest around the base. 
• Dip the cut end of your cutting into a rooting hormone. 
• Plant your cutting into a rich, moist propagation mixture and allow it to root. 
• Keep your cutting in a warm area that receives at least 4 hours of sunlight per day. 
• Avoid letting your growing medium dry out too much.

You may need to have some patience before you begin to see new growth. Although, it should be worth the wait. 

Growing Grevillea Green Carpet from Seed

Seed cultivation is not always recommended when it comes to grevilleas. Unfortunately, seeds can be unreliable, and the seed you sow may not always result in a carbon copy of the Grevillea you were hoping to grow.

Nonetheless, it is a viable propagation method. Seeds should be planted during spring or autumn. Avoid sowing during the hottest or coldest time of the year. Seeds will require some preparation before planting. 

Here is what you’ll need to do: 

• Soak your seeds overnight in a shallow container with warm water. 
• The following day, remove the seeds from the water and sow directly onto the surface of a porous, seeding soil mixture. Avoid burying the seed. 
• Keep the seeding mix damp without making it wet. Regular misting can help to maintain soil moisture. 
• Germination can take anywhere between 21 to 60 days.

Planting crithmifolia

If purchasing a Grevillea crithmifolia prostrate plant from a local nursery, it is best to wait until spring or very early autumn before planting. This will allow the roots to become established before any form of environmental stress is placed on the plant. 

To plant, you will need to:

• Pick an area in your garden which receives full sunlight or is semi-shaded. 
• Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. If preferred, a small amount of granular fertiliser or compost can be added to the soil to improve quality and drainage. 
• Carefully remove the plant from its pot, taking care not to damage or disturb the roots as much as possible. 
• Position into the hole, backfill with soil and gently pat down the soil to keep your plant in place.

Water well after initial planting. 

Grevillea crithmifolia Care Tips

What makes the Grevillea crithmifolia prostrate such a gardening dream is that it truly requires very little care. This species is not known to need much water, pruning or fertilising after the first year post-planting. 

These are very drought-tolerant plants, so they will require very little water. In winter, watering is best to be avoided as it can cause root rot. 

This cultivar does not require additional support from fertiliser after the first year of planting. However, if you do wish to add some fertiliser, avoid any which are high in phosphorus. 

Unless your grevillea green carpet is becoming particularly overgrown, it won’t need much pruning. 

Common crithmifolia Pest, Problems and Diseases

This is an incredibly tolerant species and really doesn’t have too many issues when it comes to pests or infections. The most prevalent issue is root rot caused by over-watering. 

As such, it’s always a good idea to monitor your soil moisture as much as possible. If you don't have one yet, check out our review on the best soil moisture meter available online. 

For other potential issues and how to solve them, take a look at our gardener’s guide to grow Grevilleas.