Overview
Grevillea 'Fireworks' is a hybrid shrub native to Australia, known for its vibrant and attractive flowers. This medium-sized evergreen plant is highly valued for its ornamental qualities and wildlife-friendly characteristics.
Summary
Grevillea 'Fireworks' is a cross between Grevillea 'Pink Pixie' and Grevillea alpina, originating from New South Wales and Victoria. It's a compact shrub that typically grows to 1-1.2 metres in height and 0.75-1.2 metres in spread, making it suitable for various garden settings.
Key Features
The shrub produces bright red and yellow flowers in terminal clusters, blooming from autumn through spring, and sometimes year-round in sheltered sites. Its soft, linear, blue-green leaves measure approximately 2cm long. Grevillea 'Fireworks' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, demonstrating excellent drought tolerance.
Natural Habitat
Grevillea 'Fireworks' is adapted to the Australian climate, particularly the regions of New South Wales and Victoria. It's well-suited to coastal gardens, rockeries, and native plant gardens. The shrub's drought tolerance and preference for well-drained soils reflect its origins in Australia's diverse landscapes.
Growing Guide
Growing Grevillea 'Fireworks' is straightforward with the right conditions. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you cultivate this vibrant Australian native shrub successfully.
Requirements
Grevillea 'Fireworks' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It's cold-tolerant, withstanding temperatures down to -5°C. Plant in a sunny spot with protection from harsh winds. If your soil is heavy clay, improve drainage by raising the soil level or using raised garden beds. This variety adapts well to various soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Planting Tips
Prepare the soil by mixing in a low-phosphorus fertiliser like blood and bone. For pot planting, use a quality potting mix designed for native plants. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant at the same depth it was in its container. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base, keeping mulch away from the stem to prevent rot.
Maintenance
Prune Grevillea 'Fireworks' lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertiliser in spring. Monitor for pests like scale insects and treat promptly if detected. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers as they can damage the plant. Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Uses & Benefits
Grevillea 'Fireworks' offers a range of uses and benefits for your garden and local ecosystem. This versatile shrub enhances garden aesthetics while providing ecological advantages.
Garden Design
Grevillea 'Fireworks' serves as a striking focal point in garden designs. Its vibrant, needle-like foliage and year-round blooming spider-like flowers add visual interest to borders, rockeries, and native plant gardens. Use it as a standalone specimen or in groups to create a dramatic effect. Its compact size makes it ideal for small gardens or container planting.
Wildlife Benefits
This shrub is a magnet for wildlife, particularly nectar-feeding birds and insects. Its nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, lorikeets, and butterflies, transforming your garden into a bustling ecosystem. By planting Grevillea 'Fireworks', you're creating a valuable food source for local fauna and supporting biodiversity in your area.
Special Features
Grevillea 'Fireworks' boasts exceptional drought tolerance, making it perfect for water-wise gardening. Its low-maintenance nature requires minimal pruning and watering once established. The shrub's ability to thrive in coastal areas and poor soils adds to its versatility. Its long flowering period ensures year-round colour and interest in your garden landscape.
Problems & Solutions
Grevillea 'Fireworks' is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it can face some challenges. Here are common issues, care tips, and seasonal notes to help you maintain a healthy shrub.
Common Issues
Grevillea 'Fireworks' is susceptible to iron deficiency and phosphorus toxicity. Iron deficiency causes leaf yellowing, while excess phosphorus leads to severe yellowing and burnt leaves. Sooty mold, often resulting from pest infestations like scale or aphids, can cover leaves, reducing photosynthesis. Scale insects also cause significant damage, including yellowing leaves and dying stems.
Care Tips
Use chelated iron to counteract iron deficiency and mitigate phosphorus toxicity. Control sooty mold by removing pests with insecticide soap or neem oil, then washing leaves with water. For scale insects, apply insecticide soap or neem oil. Ensure well-draining soil and avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Seasonal Notes
In winter, protect Grevillea 'Fireworks' from frost by covering it or moving potted plants to sheltered areas. Reduce watering in autumn and winter to prevent waterlogging. Spring is ideal for pruning and fertilising with low-phosphorus, native plant-specific fertiliser. In summer, increase watering during dry spells and monitor for pest infestations, particularly aphids and scale insects.
Additional Information
Grevillea 'Fireworks' is a popular cultivar that offers unique features and benefits. Here's some additional information to help you make the most of this attractive shrub.
Varieties
Grevillea 'Fireworks' is a specific cultivar, but other Grevillea varieties offer similar characteristics:
- Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon': Compact shrub with red flowers
- Grevillea 'Superb': Larger shrub with orange-red flowers
- Grevillea 'Peaches and Cream': Features pink and cream flowers
These alternatives provide options for different garden sizes and colour preferences.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Grevillea 'Fireworks' from:
- Specialist native plant nurseries
- Online garden retailers
- Local garden centres with Australian native plant sections
Check availability in spring and autumn when nurseries typically stock a wider range of native plants. Some suppliers offer mail-order options for convenience.
- Australian Native Plants Society: Comprehensive guides on cultivation
- Royal Horticultural Society: Detailed plant profiles and care instructions
- Local botanic gardens: Often feature Grevillea collections and expert advice
- Native plant forums: Connect with experienced growers for tips and support