Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ – Australian Native Growing Guide

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ is a gorgeous cultivar of one of Australia’s most treasured natives. These evergreen shrubs produce stunning flowers, which are packed with sweet nectar, and perfect for attracting birds and other wildlife to your garden.

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ blooms in late winter through to early spring, but will perform at its very best only if you follow the guides below, particularly when it comes to watering and feeding these wonderful garden staples.

How to Grow Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’

Best Conditions to Planting Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’

Soil & Drainage

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ grows best in well-drained soils and really doesn’t like to be waterlogged, so make sure your garden soil is free-draining to prevent the possibility of root rot. Sandy loam is the ideal soil structure for Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ (which will briefly hold its shape when squeezed in your palm, and crumble back out when released).

If you’re stuck with clay soil, you can dig your soil to 45 cm deep, and 3-4 times the width of the root ball, and backfill with sand, grit, compost, or a mix of your heavy soil and soil improver.

Light & Temperature

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ grows best in full sun, so try to find a spot with at least six hours of direct daily sunlight. While it can withstand cold snaps, strong chilly or salty winds are challenging for these native shrubs, so avoid planting them as a windbreak, and find shelter for these shrubs if you live near the coast.

Water Requirements

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ is drought-tolerant so it’s essential that you avoid overwatering. Rather than watering weekly, or on timed irrigation, only water Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ manually when the soil is visibly dry on the surface, and avoid watering altogether through winter.

Propagating Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’

Propagation from seeds

Grevilleas can be propagated from seed, but it can be a slow process, and Ivanhoe is no exception. If you fancy a challenge, start by sowing the seeds in a well-drained soil mixture in the autumn (sieved garden soil or a sterile seed compost will work well).

Keep the soil moist and warm. Your seeds should germinate after about 4-6 weeks.

How to Propagate Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ from Cuttings

The quickest way to propagate Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ is from cuttings, and even if you’ve never tried growing plants from cutting before, it roots reliably. Take semi-hardwood cuttings (young semi-green stems from last year) in the spring, and strip the lower leaves so you’re left with a clean 15-20cm twig with a couple of leaves at the tip. 

Dip the base of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in a 50/50 mix of perlite and compost. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the cuttings should root within four to six weeks.

How to Care for Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’

Mulching Needs

Mulching Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ can help to retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Use a coarse mulch such as bark chips for a generous and affordable mulch around the base of each plant, making sure it isn’t in contact with the stem. 

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Refer to our comprehensive guide on mulches to discover more types and their uses. 

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ Fertiliser

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ doesn’t require regular fertiliser, but an annual application of slow-release native plant food has a big impact on flowering later in the year.

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ Pests & Diseases

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ is a hardy plant that rarely succumbs to pests or diseases. Like nearly all Grevilleas, its most regular problems are caused by overwatering, and if you spot signs of wilt or bud drop, just slow down on water, try to regulate feed, and most pest and disease problems will balance out with time.

Wrapping Up Our Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ Growing and Care Guide

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ is a spectacular plant, with richly coloured blooms and works well in nearly all gardens. With its attractive foliage and bold blooms, it can make a great addition to any space. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ is easy to grow and will thrive with minimal care and attention. 

By following our guide above, and looking more in depth at Grevillea care in general, you can grow your own vibrant Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ for a lifetime of ornamental structure in your garden.