From my perspective as a Grevillea, successful planting is all about aligning with my natural growth cycle. I am not like a deciduous tree that goes fully dormant in winter, nor am I a tender annual that shivers at the first chill. I am a woody, evergreen shrub, native to Australia, built for sun and well-drained soils. My primary goal after being moved to a new location is to establish a strong, extensive root system as quickly as possible. This root network is my lifeline, allowing me to access water and nutrients and anchor myself firmly in my new home. The ideal planting time is the season that gives my roots the longest possible period of favourable conditions to grow before they must face their first major environmental stress, be it intense heat or freezing cold.
The absolute best time to plant me is in the autumn or early spring. Let me explain why these seasons are so perfect from a root's-eye view. In autumn, the soil still retains significant warmth from the summer sun. This warm soil is like a comforting blanket that encourages my root tips to actively grow and explore the surrounding soil. Meanwhile, the air above has become cooler and milder, which drastically reduces the stress on my foliage. With less demand for water from my leaves (a process you call transpiration), I can divert almost all of my energy into root development. I can settle in, establish my foundation, and be robust and ready by the time next summer's heat arrives. Early spring offers a similar advantage. As the soil thaws and warms up, it signals my roots to begin their new season of growth. Planting me then allows me to capitalize on this natural surge of energy and the typically reliable spring rainfall, giving me a full growing season to get established.
While I am adaptable, planting me in the peak of summer or the depth of winter is far from ideal and puts immense stress on my system. Summer planting is a high-risk endeavor. The combination of intense heat, strong sun, and often dry conditions means my tender, new roots must work overtime to supply water to my leaves, all while they are still trying to grow themselves. I can easily become dehydrated, and the transplant shock can be severe, stunting my growth or worse. Conversely, winter planting, especially in regions with hard frosts, is equally challenging. Cold, and particularly frozen, soil forces my roots into a state of inactivity. They cannot grow or function properly. If the ground is frozen, I cannot absorb water at all, leading to desiccation and damage, even if my leaves look okay above ground.
Beyond the calendar, my successful establishment depends on two non-negotiable conditions. First, my roots absolutely demand excellent drainage. I am highly susceptible to root rot fungi (like Phytophthora) in heavy, waterlogged soils. Soggy, cold soil in winter is a death sentence, making autumn planting in a well-drained spot even more critical. Second, please plant me in a location with full sun. My photosynthetic machinery is designed to operate at peak efficiency under bright light. More sun means more energy, which I can directly channel into growing those all-important new roots, helping me to quickly become a vibrant and flourishing part of your garden.
