Overview
Summary
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' is a popular cultivar originating from New South Wales, Australia in the 1970s. It's a hybrid of Grevillea banksii and an upright form of Grevillea bipinnatifida. This medium-sized shrub is prized for its almost continuous display of vibrant orange-red flowers and its ability to attract wildlife.
Key Features
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' grows to about 2 metres tall and 3 metres wide. It boasts large orange-red racemes of flowers, up to 15 cm long, blooming year-round. The foliage is dark to light green, strongly divided with toothed segments, giving it a somewhat prickly texture.
Natural Habitat
While Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' is a cultivated hybrid, it thrives in conditions similar to its parent species. It's well-adapted to the Australian climate, preferring full sun and well-drained soils. This hardy shrub tolerates drought and coastal conditions, making it suitable for various garden settings across Australia.
Growing Guide
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' is a resilient and low-maintenance shrub that thrives in Australian gardens. Follow these guidelines to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
Requirements
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's frost-tolerant and adapts to various climates but performs best in warmer regions. The shrub grows to 2 metres tall and 3 metres wide. Avoid phosphorus-rich fertilisers; use low-phosphorus options like blood and bone if needed. This plant is sensitive to extreme cold and humidity.
Planting Tips
Choose a location where roots won't be disturbed, as Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' dislikes root disturbance. Dig a hole twice the size of the pot and plant at the same level. Ensure the spot receives ample sunlight for maximum flowering. In part shade, expect fewer flowers and potentially leggy growth. Select a site with excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Maintenance
Prune Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pests like scale insects and treat promptly if detected. Avoid over-fertilising; this plant thrives in low-nutrient conditions.
Uses & Benefits
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' offers numerous advantages for your garden. This versatile shrub serves multiple purposes, from enhancing aesthetics to supporting local wildlife.
Garden Design
You can use Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' as a stunning focal point or as part of a mixed border. Its moderate size and dense growth make it ideal for creating privacy screens or hedges. In shrub borders, it adds vibrant colour and texture. Shear the plant for a denser appearance or prune selectively for a more open look.
Wildlife Benefits
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' attracts a variety of native birds and insects to your garden. Its nectar-rich flowers provide a valuable food source for honeyeaters, lorikeets, and other nectar-feeding birds. Butterflies and bees are also drawn to its blossoms, enhancing biodiversity in your outdoor space.
Special Features
This shrub boasts exceptional drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance option for your garden. It's fast-growing, quickly filling bare areas. The plant benefits from occasional hard pruning, which prevents woodiness and encourages more flowering. Its year-round blooms ensure continuous visual interest in your landscape.
Problems & Solutions
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' is generally hardy, but it can face certain challenges. Here are some common issues, care tips, and seasonal notes to help you maintain a healthy plant.
Common Issues
Root rot affects Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' in wet conditions, causing curled leaves and plant collapse. Yellowing leaves indicate nutrient deficiency or soil pH problems. High-phosphorus fertilisers damage the plant. Pests are rare due to bird attraction, but old, woody branches can develop over time.
Care Tips
Plant Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' in well-draining, sloping or raised beds to prevent root rot. Use iron sulphate in alkaline soils or iron chelate elsewhere to address yellowing leaves. Apply low-phosphorus fertilisers like Searles Native Food. Prune old, woody branches to encourage new growth and maintain plant shape.
Seasonal Notes
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' flowers year-round, with peak blooming in spring and summer. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogging. Apply mulch in spring to retain moisture during warmer months. Prune lightly after flowering periods to maintain shape and promote bushiness. Monitor for pest activity in warmer seasons.
Additional Information
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' is a popular cultivar with distinct characteristics. Here's some additional information about varieties, where to buy, and resources for further learning.
Varieties
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' is a specific cultivar, but other Grevillea varieties offer similar attributes. These include 'Robyn Gordon', 'Superb', and 'Moonlight'. Each variety has unique flower colours and growth habits, ranging from prostrate forms to small trees.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' from local Australian nurseries, garden centres, and online plant retailers. Specialist native plant nurseries often stock a wide range of Grevillea varieties. Check availability and compare prices from multiple sources to find the best deal.
Resources
For more information on Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' and other native plants, consult the Australian Native Plants Society, Royal Botanic Gardens websites, or local horticultural societies. These resources offer detailed care guides, species information, and tips for incorporating native plants into your garden design.