Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ is a popular Australian native plant, valued for its striking appearance and resilience. This cultivar brings vibrant color and unique texture to landscapes, making it a favored, low-maintenance choice.
Understanding Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’
Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ is a hybrid, developed in New South Wales in the 1970s from Grevillea banksii and Grevillea bipinnatifida. This medium-sized evergreen shrub typically reaches 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) in height and 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) in width, with a compact, bushy habit. It features large, vibrant orange-red, spider-like flowers, up to 15 cm long, that bloom year-round, peaking in spring and autumn. Its deep green foliage is stiff and finely divided.
Cultivation Essentials
Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ thrives in full sun, which is crucial for optimal flowering and plant health. While it can tolerate light shade, more sun yields abundant blooms. Adequate air circulation is also beneficial.
It prefers well-draining soil, adapting to loamy or sandy loam. Grevilleas are sensitive to phosphorus, a common fertilizer component, and excessive levels can be detrimental. Good drainage is important to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
After planting, water consistently for the first 8 to 12 weeks to establish a robust root system. Once established, it becomes highly drought-tolerant, needing little supplementary water. Deep, infrequent watering is recommended, allowing the soil to dry between sessions.
Grevilleas have specific requirements due to their sensitivity to phosphorus. It is best to use a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer, or none at all. If needed, apply a slow-release native fertilizer in late autumn or when buds form, ensuring the phosphorus ratio is below 3%. Plant in well-drained soil, preparing a hole twice the pot size and planting at the same level.
Pruning Guidelines
Regular pruning of Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ helps maintain its shape, promotes bushier growth, and encourages more prolific flowering. Prune lightly after a flowering flush, particularly after the main blooming period in summer, to remove spent flower spikes and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. For hedging, light but frequent pruning keeps the plant tidy. Focus on tip pruning rather than cutting into old, woody stems, as this can hinder new growth. Medium to hard pruning (10-30% of the plant’s size) every 3-5 years can rejuvenate the plant, ideally in late winter to early spring.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ is generally hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases when grown in suitable conditions, though issues can arise if environmental factors are not met. Lack of flowers may indicate insufficient sunlight, as full sun is necessary for abundant blooming, or improper pruning. Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering, root rot, or nutrient deficiencies, especially phosphorus toxicity from high-phosphorus fertilizers. Poor drainage also contributes to yellowing and root rot. Good air circulation and avoiding overwatering help prevent fungal issues.
Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ in Your Landscape
Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ is a versatile plant for landscape designs. Its moderate size and dense growth make it a feature plant or addition to mixed borders, providing continuous color and texture. Its compact habit suits privacy screens or informal hedges, responding well to light, frequent pruning. The nectar-rich flowers attract native birds, bees, and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity.