Silky Oak
Grevillea robusta
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Pl. 57D6 — Grevillea robusta
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IOverview
Overview
Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) is a large tree native to the eastern coast of Australia, specifically New South Wales and Queensland. This evergreen species thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Known for its ornamental value and as an edible plant, Silky Oak produces nectar that is attractive to pollinators. Its distinctive feature includes the soft, silky texture of its leaves, which gives the tree its common name. This tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and is hardy in zones 9-11.
Quick answers
What is Silky Oak?
Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) is a large tree native to the eastern coast of Australia, specifically New South Wales and Queensland.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Silky Oak thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It requires minimal watering, being drought-tolerant but also able to handle moist conditions. This tree grows best in zones 9-11, making it suitable for warmer climates. Harvest nectar from its flowers for a sweet treat. Keep the soil pH between 5.3 and 7 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.3–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Silky Oak for the first time
8steps
Start with a Silky Oak as a simple, low-maintenance tree for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Silky Oak sapling and some basic gardening tools like a spade and watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or autumn when the weather is mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining, with a pH between 5.3 and 7. Amend heavy clay soils with sand for better drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly in winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to encourage a strong structure, removing any dead or crossing branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soils without amending, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Nectar
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:DyeGumRootstockLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 28 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 28 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 2 native· 28 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)ItalySpain
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)BangladeshIndia
Americas5 regions
introduced (5)Costa RicaEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaUnited States
Africa8 regions
introduced (8)Cabo VerdeCameroonComorosEritreaEthiopiaGambiaMauritiusMozambique
Broader regions
native:Queensland, New South Wales
introduced:Argentina Northeast, California, Easter Is., Florida, Gulf of Guinea Is., Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Marianas, Marshall Is., Mexico Southwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 57d61156-8c52-4f81-8cf3-2781a60a5b10
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