Botanical name: Grevillea ‘Noellii’
Common names: Noel’s grevillea, hummingbird bush, California grevillea
USDA zones: 8 to 10; hardy to 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (find your zone)
Water requirement: Moderate; do not overwater
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide
Benefits and tolerances: Flowers attract hummingbirds; deer resistant; tolerant of heat and coastal conditions
Seasonal interest: Attractive foliage year-round; colorful flowers in late winter/early spring
When to plant: Plant cuttings in late summer.

Distinguishing traits. The foliage of all grevilleas have beautiful texture, but I’m especially fond of the needlelike leaves of 'Noellii’ — similar to that of rosemary or Westringia.

'Noellii' is dense and voluminous, simultaneously light and airy. Its medium green form floats softly above the landscape. 'Noellii' is not a showy plant, but it complements surrounding plants, ensuring that garden features look their best. It will grow and gracefully spread up to 4 feet in every direction but can be pruned after blooming to maintain a dense form.

Clusters of small, pink and white spidery flowers bloom late winter and into spring. They’re magnets for hummingbirds — their elongated form is an open invitation.

How to use it. Mass for a soft evergreen screen or a tall ground cover. Plant 'Noelli' on a hillside or bank for slope stability as an elegant solution for a difficult garden spot. It even thrives in containers.

Planting notes. Plant ‘Noellii’ in full sun and provide moderate water when it's young. It’s not one of the most drought-tolerant grevilleas, but its heat tolerance, coastal tolerance and adaptable demeanor make for an easy-care plant.

As with other plants in the Proteaceae family, plant grevillea in well-draining, acidic soil with low levels of phosphorus. While it is coastal tolerant, it is also sensitive to high levels of salt in the soil.

There are more than 300 species of grevillea in cultivation. Look for one best suited to your climate and landscape.