Grevillea, a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees native to Australia, are exceptionally well-suited for creating a hummingbird garden. From a botanical perspective, these plants have evolved specific morphological and physiological traits that make them irresistible to these energetic pollinators. Their unique flower structures, prolific blooming habits, and adaptability create a reliable and abundant food source.
The fundamental attraction lies in the grevillea flower's design. Unlike typical open-faced flowers, grevillea blossoms are composed of a long, hooked style (the female part of the flower) that emerges from a fused tepal tube. This tube is where the nectar is produced and stored. For a hummingbird, this structure is perfect. Their long, slender bills and even longer, extendable tongues are perfectly adapted to probe deep into the floral tube to access the rich, sugary nectar. This nectar is not just a sweet treat; it is a high-energy fuel specifically produced by the plant's nectaries to reward pollinators. The plant's strategy is effective: as the hummingbird feeds, its head and bill brush against the pollen-bearing tips, ensuring cross-pollination as the bird moves from one flower to the next.
To maintain a hummingbird population, a garden must offer a consistent and long-term nectar supply. Selecting the right grevillea varieties, based on their growth habits and flowering cycles, is crucial for achieving this.
This is arguably one of the top choices. Botanically, it is a compact, dense shrub that flowers in flushes nearly year-round in mild climates. Its most significant feature is the production of large, terminal clusters of deep pinkish-red flowers. The color red is highly attractive to hummingbirds, and the sheer volume of flowers on a single 'Robyn Gordon' provides a concentrated feeding station. Its continuous blooming habit ensures that nectar is almost always available, making it a cornerstone plant in the garden.
This variety offers a different botanical structure. It is an upright, arching shrub with fine, needle-like foliage reminiscent of rosemary. Its flowers are a vibrant red and pink, appearing in dense, spider-like clusters along the branches. From a garden design perspective, its finer texture provides excellent contrast to broader-leaved plants. More importantly, it is an exceptionally profuse bloomer, especially in late winter to spring, providing a critical food source when other nectar-producing plants may be scarce.
A hybrid known for its spectacular and large flower heads. Botanically, these inflorescences are a complex arrangement of individual flowers, creating a large, brush-like structure. The colors are a stunning blend of apricot, pink, and creamy yellow. While not the classic red, the sheer size and nectar volume of these flower heads are a powerful draw. This variety blooms heavily from late fall through spring, offering a reliable food source during the cooler months when hummingbirds need significant energy.
For larger spaces, this large shrub provides both structure and sustenance. It can grow quite tall and wide, featuring long, slender, grey-green leaves and spectacular coral-pink flower clusters. The botanical advantage of 'Long John' is its flowering season, which peaks in winter and early spring. This timing is vital for supporting hummingbirds during a period of natural nectar scarcity, making the plant an invaluable seasonal resource.
To ensure these grevillea varieties perform at their best, their botanical needs must be met. They require full sun for maximum flower production. Well-drained soil is non-negotiable, as they are highly susceptible to root rot in heavy, waterlogged conditions. They are adapted to low-phosphorus soils; using a native plant fertilizer is essential to avoid toxicity. Once established, they are remarkably drought-tolerant, a physiological adaptation to their Australian origins. Pruning after flowering encourages a denser, more floriferous habit, directly increasing the garden's nectar availability for hummingbirds.
