Silky Oak (Grevillia robusta)

A fast-growing native tree well-suited to South East Queensland, the Silky Oak provides essential habitat and food for nectar-feeding birds such as lorikeets and honeyeaters. Its striking golden-orange flowers bloom in spring and summer, supporting pollinators at a time when many plants are not in flower. With its tall, upright growth, it is ideal for windbreaks, shade, and large garden landscapes. This species is highly adaptable, thriving in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay-based soils, making it suitable for both coastal and hinterland gardens. Due to its large size, it is best suited to open spaces where it can grow freely without impacting nearby structures or underground utilities.

Watering preferences:

• Drought-tolerant once established, requiring little additional watering.

Mulching preferences:

• Applying mulch may help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilising preferences:

• Fertilisation is generally not required.
• If needed, a low-phosphorus native fertiliser may be applied in spring.

Pruning preferences:

• Pruning can be done to shape the tree or remove unwanted growth.
• For smaller gardens, regular pruning can help manage size but may reduce flowering.

Good to Know:

• Fast-growing and can reach large sizes, so space should be considered before planting.
• Can cause allergies or skin irritation in some people.