Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ Australian Gardening Guide

Introducing Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’

Grevilleas are known by the common name spider flowers and are one of the largest groups of Australian native plants. Grevilleas come in many colours and sizes, from low ground covers to small trees. There are hundreds of different grevillea species to choose from. 

One of the nicest is Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’. This large, evergreen, compact shrub grows to a height of 3m and spreads to a width of 2m. 

It has green-grey ferny foliage, with bronze-coloured new growth tips. This olive, almost blue-looking shrub will really pop when planted near plants with brighter green foliage. 

Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ is a hybrid between Grevillea sessilis and Grevillea paradoxa. They produce beautiful dark purple-pink flowers. Established Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ are drought tolerant plants. 

Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’Flower

The good news is that Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ flowers intermittently for much of the year. It produces long spikes of attractive deep mauve-pink flowers. These two-toned pink and purple flowers are full of nectar and loved by native wildlife.

Growing Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’

Ideal Soil and Location for Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’

Like most grevilleas, Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ can grow well in a wide variety of soil types, and being natives are adapted to low nutrient Australian soils. No additional compost or fertiliser is normally required for this plant to thrive. 

The most important thing to look out for is to ensure that the soil, where you are planting the Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’, is well-draining. It should be planted in a spot of the garden where it will get full sun. They can do okay in light shade but the degree to which the plant flowers will be impacted. Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ is a sun lover!

They grow quickly and are often used by gardeners as a showy screening plant to add some privacy and colour to the garden. Given the height to which this native can develop, it isn’t suitable for growing in a container pot. 

There are other species of grevillea better suited to container pots like Grevillea ‘John Evans’.

How to Care for Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’

Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ is a hardy and low maintenance native plant. Water regularly until the plant is established. Once established, Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ rarely requires watering.

Give the plant an occasional long deep water during extended dry periods but otherwise, rainfall should be sufficient. Mulch around the root zone which will help retain water.  

Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ responds well to pruning. You will need to prune these native plants regularly to maintain a desired size and shaped plant. Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ should be trimmed at least 2-3 times a year. Trim regularly and avoid heavy pruning. 

These native plants are normally problem-free and are not typically impacted by pests and diseases. If you feel the plant needs a helping hand, make sure to only use a native fertiliser.