Why Your Grevilleas Are not Flowering (But Your Banksias Are): Easy Fixes for Aussie Gardens

Grevilleas are a staple in Aussie gardens, but when your Grevilleas are not flowering, it can leave you scratching your head, especially when the Banksias next to them are blooming their heads off. Don’t worry, mate. It’s a common headache for Aussie gardeners—and the good news is, it’s usually fixable. Whether it’s dodgy soil, the wrong fertilizer, or not enough sun.

 We’re breaking it all down so your Grevillea can catch up and show off its flowers like your Banksia.

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Grevilleas love our classic Aussie soils—sandy, free-draining, and low in nutrients. If you’ve been loading up your garden beds with compost and rich organic matter, it can cause Grevilleas not to bloom. Grevillea might be getting a bit too spoiled.

Tip: Use a native plant potting mix or sandy loam with good drainage. No heavy mulches or manure—keep it lean and mean.

Did you know? Grevilleas can suffer from “phosphorus burn” if the soil is too rich in phosphorus. Banksias can handle it better, so they might still flower while your Grevillea sulks.

This one’s a biggie: most Aussie natives, especially Grevilleas, hate phosphorus. Lack of phosphorus is another reason why your Grevilleas are not flowering.

Standard garden fertilizers usually have too much of it, which can seriously affect flowering, and is a significant reason if your Grevilleas are not flowering.

Tip: Use a fertilizer made for native plants—look for one with a low “P” number (under 3). These are designed to keep plants healthy without burning sensitive roots.

Trick: A light feed in early spring or late winter is perfect. Don’t overdo it—less is more with natives.

The sun is everything for a happy Grevillea. It might survive if planted in the shade or crowded out by taller plants, but it probably won’t flower much.

Tip: Ensure your Grevillea gets at least 6 hours of sun daily. If other plants are blocking the light, give them a tidy-up.

Aussie truth: “No sun, no show.” These plants are built for Aussie rays.

Pruning Makes or Breaks Flowering

Pruning at the wrong or hard times can chop off your future flowers. Many grevilleas bloom on new growth, so timing is everything.

Tip: Lightly prune the plant just after it finishes flowering. This encourages new shoots, where the next flowers will appear. Avoid cutting into old wood—Grevilleas don’t bounce back well from harsh cuts.

Tip: Give it a regular light haircut instead of a big chop once a year.

Not all Grevilleas flower year-round like Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’. Some only bloom in certain seasons and younger plants can take a year or two to get going.

Tip: Don’t panic if your plant’s still young. Check your variety and its flowering season—some wait for cooler months to bloom.

Fact: Banksias often flower from late summer into winter, while some Grevilleas shine in spring or early summer.

Root-bound pots or soggy soils can stop flowering cold. These plants like a bit of space and hate wet feet; Overwatering is a common reason why your Grevilleas are not flowering.

Tip: If your Grevillea is in a pot and looking sad, tip it out and check for circling roots. Repot with native mix in a slightly bigger pot. On the ground? Make sure it’s draining properly.

Trick: If water pools around the base after rain, mix in coarse sand or gravel to open things up.

Grevilleas grow across Australia, but not every type is suitable for every spot. A tropical variety won’t thrive in a frosty part of Victoria, and some southern varieties might struggle in Queensland’s humidity.

Tip: Pick a Grevillea that matches your local climate. Ask your nursery for advice or check native plant guides by region.

Grevillea banksii does well in warmer states, while Grevillea lanigera suits cooler zones, such as the ACT or VIC.

It might seem like your Banksia is showing off while your Grevillea naps, but with a few simple tweaks, you’ll have them flowering side-by-side in no time. Aussie native gardens are tough, but even tough plants need the proper care.

Quick Recap:

• Use low-phosphorus native fertilizer
• Avoid overwatering and heavy soils
• Give your Grevillea full sun
• Prune at the right time (not too hard!)
• Be patient with young plants
• Choose the right variety for your region

Q: How long does it take for a Grevillea to flower?

A: Most Grevilleas flower within their first 1–2 years, but this depends on the variety and conditions. Be patient with young plants!

Q: Can I grow Grevilleas and Banksias together?

A: Absolutely! Just ensure the soil drains well, and both plants get enough sun. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers, and they’ll get along fine.

Q: My Grevillea has lots of leaves but no flowers—why?

A: Too much nitrogen or shade could be the culprit. Reduce the amount of fertilizer and move it to a sunnier spot if needed.

Q: Is pruning really important for Grevilleas not to flower?

A: Yes! Light, regular pruning helps Grevilleas produce fresh growth, and that’s where the flowers come from.

Why are my Grevilleas not flowering?
Grevilleas may not flower if they’re not getting enough sunlight, are overwatered, or planted in poorly draining soil.