Grevillea, with its vibrant, nectar-rich spider-like flowers, is a cornerstone of any hummingbird garden. To create a thriving ecosystem that supports these pollinators and the plants themselves, selecting the right companion plants is crucial. The ideal companions will share similar cultural needs, provide a succession of blooms, and create a multi-layered habitat.
The primary consideration is choosing plants that thrive in the same conditions as Grevillea. Most Grevillea species demand well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. They are generally drought-tolerant once established and can suffer from root rot in overly rich or waterlogged soils. Therefore, companion plants must be equally adaptable to these conditions to avoid creating micro-environments that could harm the Grevillea.
To keep hummingbirds visiting your garden throughout the seasons, pair Grevillea with other plants that offer a high nectar reward. Salvia (Sage) is an exceptional choice, with varieties like Salvia 'Black and Bloom' or Salvia microphylla providing tubular flowers in reds and pinks that hummingbirds find irresistible. Aloe species, particularly those that bloom in winter, offer a critical off-season food source when little else is flowering. Other excellent choices include Westringia (Coastal Rosemary), which flowers profusely, and Epacris longiflora (Native Fuchsia), a tubular-flowered shrub that is a hummingbird magnet.
A diverse garden structure provides shelter, perching spots, and nesting sites for hummingbirds. Pairing taller Grevillea varieties with mid-level and ground-covering plants creates a more natural and functional environment. Low-growing, sprawling natives like Scaevola (Fan Flower) or Grevillea groundcover varieties such as ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle’ offer dense foliage that suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture. Ornamental grasses like Lomandra species add textural contrast and movement, further enhancing the garden's aesthetic and ecological value.
While flowers attract hummingbirds, foliage provides year-round structure. Plants with fine, silvery, or contrasting foliage complement the often deep-green and sometimes dissected leaves of Grevillea. Lavender, with its aromatic grey-green foliage and purple flower spikes, is a classic drought-tolerant companion. Similarly, the silver foliage of Leucophyta brownii (Cushion Bush) creates a stunning visual contrast and thrives in the same sunny, exposed, and free-draining conditions.
Selecting companions from the same Australian provenance as Grevillea often guarantees compatibility. Banksia integrates seamlessly, offering bold, architectural flower cones. Callistemon (Bottlebrush) provides another source of nectar with its vibrant brush-like flowers. For lower layers, groundcovers like Hardenbergia violacea (Native Lilac) or Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paw) with its unique paw-shaped flowers are outstanding choices that reinforce the garden's ecological theme.
