Grevillea ‘Molonglo’, a hybrid of Grevillea juniperina, is a versatile and resilient plant suitable for various landscapes. Its general appeal lies in its long flowering period and ability to thrive with relatively low care once established. Gardeners seeking a plant that contributes visual interest and supports local wildlife often find ‘Molonglo’ to be a rewarding addition.
Key Features and Appearance
Grevillea ‘Molonglo’ is recognized for its spreading, groundcover habit, typically reaching a height of 0.5 to 1 meter (2 to 3 feet) and spreading widely to 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) across. Its dense growth effectively suppresses weeds, forming a thick carpet of vibrant green, needle-like foliage. The foliage can be somewhat prickly.
The plant’s most striking feature is its abundance of spider-like flowers, which typically display shades of apricot, yellow, or gold, sometimes with coral or peach tones. These unique blooms appear profusely from late winter through spring, often extending into summer or autumn, providing a prolonged display of color. In cooler conditions, the apricot tones can become more pronounced. These nectar-rich flowers attract various birds, bees, and butterflies.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Successful establishment of Grevillea ‘Molonglo’ requires a site with full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too much shade may result in leggy growth and reduced flower production. The plant adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or even clay soils, provided that drainage is consistently good. Poor drainage can lead to root rot; for heavy clay soils, incorporate coarse sand or gypsum, or plant in a raised bed.
When planting, dig a hole that is at least twice the width of the root ball, ensuring the plant is set at the same depth as it was in its nursery container. Water deeply two to three times a week for the first six to eight weeks after planting, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, Grevillea ‘Molonglo’ exhibits excellent drought tolerance, requiring minimal supplemental water. It is also quite frost tolerant, enduring temperatures down to approximately -12°C to -9°C (10-15°F), though protection from harsh subfreezing winds can be beneficial.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Grevillea ‘Molonglo’ is a low-maintenance plant once established. When fertilizing, it is important to use a low-phosphorus product, as Grevilleas are highly sensitive to high levels of phosphorus, which can be detrimental to their health. Fertilizers specifically formulated for Australian native plants are appropriate for application in spring or autumn. Avoiding standard garden fertilizers, manures, and composts is advisable due to their potentially high phosphorus content.
Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape, size, and promotes denser growth and more abundant flowering. The best time to prune is after the main flush of flowers has finished, typically in late spring or early summer. Lightly prune to remove spent blooms and encourage new growth, or cut back by up to one-third for more significant shaping.
Avoid cutting into bare, woody stems, always leaving some leafy growth. Removing any dead or damaged branches throughout the year also contributes to the plant’s overall health and appearance. Grevillea ‘Molonglo’ generally shows good resistance to pests and diseases, though issues like root rot can occur in overly wet conditions, and occasional scale or aphids might appear.
Landscape Applications
The versatile nature of Grevillea ‘Molonglo’ makes it suitable for numerous landscape applications. Its low, spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover, effectively covering large areas and helping to control weeds. This characteristic also makes it suitable for erosion control on slopes or banks. It can be utilized as a feature plant in a garden bed.
The plant’s dense growth also lends itself well to informal hedging or bordering. Given its drought tolerance once established, it is a good inclusion in water-wise gardens or xeriscaping designs. Furthermore, its nectar-rich flowers consistently attract native birds, particularly hummingbirds, as well as bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden’s ecological value. It can also be incorporated into rock gardens or planted over retaining walls.