Grevilleas are among the most versatile and widely used native plants in Australian landscaping. With their striking flowers, vast species diversity, and year-round flowering options, they’re a designer’s dream. But they also play an important ecological role—especially in urban environments where biodiversity is under pressure. Here’s a quick look at the types of fauna Grevillea supports.
Grevillea rosmarinifolia ‘H16’ PBR Trade Name Crimson Villea™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/crimson-villea-grevillea/
Nectarivorous Birds
Yes – Excellent Support
This is Grevillea’s strongest ecological value. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract a wide range of birds, especially honeyeaters and lorikeets. Large-flowered hybrids in particular are a feeding hotspot. Regular bird activity around Grevillea is almost guaranteed in urban settings. You can think of a grevillea as a sugar buffet that gives birds the sustenance they need to find more substantial food sources, and gives beneficial adult insects the energy they need to find pests for their larvae to feed upon.
Fruit Eating Birds
No – Not a Fruit Source
Most Grevillea species do not produce soft, fleshy fruit that would attract frugivorous birds. Their fruit is typically a dry follicle that splits to release seeds, making it unappealing to fruit eaters like silvereyes or figbirds. Try adding Syzygium and Carpobrotus to your plant palette to fill these gaps.
Seed Eating Birds
Unknown – Likely Minimal Use
There is limited evidence of seed-eating birds feeding on Grevillea seed. The hard, woody seed pods and small seed size may not be worth the effort for most granivorous birds. Not a major food source in this category. Add Chrysocephalum and Cenchrus .
Insectivorous Birds
Yes – Indirectly Beneficial
Insects are drawn to Grevillea plants for the nectar, pollen, and shelter—bringing in insectivorous birds in search of prey. Dense, shrubby forms also provide cover and nesting habitat, which adds to their value for small insect-eaters like thornbills, wrens, and fantails.
Grevillea juniperina ‘H22’ PBR Trade Name Gold Cluster™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/gold-cluster-grevillea/
Pollen Feeding Insects
Yes – Good Support
Native bees, beetles, and other pollen collectors regularly visit Grevillea flowers. While some large hybrid cultivars are less accessible to small insects, many species offer open flower structures ideal for a range of pollen feeders.
Nectar Feeding Insects
Yes – Good Support
Butterflies, native bees, wasps, and even ants are frequent visitors to the sugary nectar of Grevillea blooms. Wild species and open-flowered cultivars are particularly valuable for insect nectar feeders.
Buzz Pollinated Flowers
No – Not Buzz-Pollinated
Grevillea flowers do not require or utilise buzz pollination. Their pollen is readily accessible and is typically spread by birds and insects without the need for vibration. If you’d like to favour buzz pollinators, add Dianella .
Habitat for Desirable Insect Larvae
Unknown – Moderate Potential
While there’s not much formal research on larval hosts, the dense foliage and branching structure of many Grevillea species may offer shelter or microhabitats for predatory insect larvae and native parasitoids. Worth monitoring in diverse plantings. Native grasses and strappy plants are particularly beneficial as host plants.
Final Thoughts for Specifiers
If you’re aiming to build bird-attracting, insect-supporting, biodiverse plantings in urban environments, Grevillea is one of the top performers. From small groundcovers to medium hedges and even large screening shrubs, there’s a form for nearly every site. Combine with other native nectar sources, groundcovers, and fauna-attracting species for a resilient, functional planting scheme that supports urban wildlife.
