Overview
Grevillea nudiflora, commonly known as the Bare Flowering Grevillea, is a shrub native to Western Australia's south-west and south coast. This versatile plant is a member of the Proteaceae family, renowned for its unique growth habit and floral characteristics.
Summary
Grevillea nudiflora exhibits a variable growth habit, ranging from prostrate to upright forms. It's often described as a spreading prostrate shrub, forming a dense mat or wide spread. Typically less than 30 cm tall, it can extend up to 3 metres wide, creating an impressive ground cover.
Key Features
The plant boasts long, narrow bright green leaves that arch backwards, creating a distinctive appearance. Its branches are hairy and not glaucous. The flowers are a striking bright red with yellow accents on the curve, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden or landscape.
Natural Habitat
Grevillea nudiflora thrives in the coastal and sub-coastal areas of south-western Australia. It's well-adapted to poor soils and drought conditions, making it a resilient species. You'll find it growing naturally in sandy or gravelly soils, often in heath or shrubland communities.
Growing Guide
Grevillea nudiflora thrives in specific conditions. Here's how to cultivate this striking Australian native successfully in your garden.
Requirements
Grevillea nudiflora demands full sun exposure and well-drained, gritty soil. It's drought-tolerant once established but needs regular watering during the first six months. This plant prefers poor soil conditions and can be sensitive to high phosphorus levels. It's adaptable to various climates but has varying frost tolerance.
Planting Tips
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for your Grevillea nudiflora. Prepare the soil by adding grit to improve drainage if necessary. Plant in spring or autumn, spacing plants 1-2 metres apart to allow for spread. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Maintenance
Prune Grevillea nudiflora lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Reduce watering to once a week after the initial six-month establishment period. Apply a low-phosphorus, native plant fertiliser sparingly in spring. Monitor for pests and diseases, particularly root rot in poorly drained soils. Remove any competing weeds regularly.
Uses & Benefits
Grevillea nudiflora offers numerous advantages for gardeners and landscapers. Its versatility and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for various garden settings.
Garden Design
Grevillea nudiflora's cascading habit makes it ideal for rockeries, walls, and embankments. Use it as a ground cover for verges, nature strips, and roundabouts. Its attractive foliage and long, bare flower-bearing stems add visual interest to large pots or garden beds. The plant's ability to spread makes it perfect for creating unique landscape features.
Wildlife Benefits
Grevillea nudiflora attracts native birds and insects to your garden. Its nectar-rich flowers provide a valuable food source for honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding species. The dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for small birds. By planting Grevillea nudiflora, you're creating a wildlife-friendly habitat in your outdoor space.
Special Features
This hardy plant thrives in poor soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. Grevillea nudiflora acts as an effective weed suppresser and soil stabiliser, reducing maintenance in your garden. Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes. The plant's tolerance to coastal conditions makes it suitable for seaside gardens.
Problems & Solutions
Grevillea nudiflora, while generally hardy, can face a few challenges. Here's how to identify and address common issues, along with care tips and seasonal notes to ensure your plant thrives.
Common Issues
Skin irritation is a primary concern when handling Grevillea nudiflora. Wear gloves to protect your skin during maintenance. Improper pruning can lead to uneven growth or reduced flowering. Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils, so ensure proper drainage. Watch for pests like scale insects or mealybugs, which can occasionally infest the plant.
Care Tips
Prune Grevillea nudiflora after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Water moderately, avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Apply a low-phosphorus fertiliser sparingly in spring. Monitor regularly for pests and diseases, removing any affected parts promptly to prevent spread.
Seasonal Notes
Grevillea nudiflora flowers from January to March or May to December, with peak blooming from July to November. Prepare for increased watering during dry spells in summer. In winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant becomes dormant. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Apply mulch in autumn to protect roots from winter cold.
Additional Information
Grevillea nudiflora offers gardeners and landscapers diverse options for cultivation and enjoyment. Here's additional information to enhance your understanding of this unique plant.
Varieties
Grevillea nudiflora exhibits variable growth habits, from prostrate to upright forms. The cultivar 'Medusa' is a known variety, though details about its specific characteristics are limited. This variability allows gardeners to select plants that best suit their landscape needs, whether for ground cover or as a low-growing shrub.
Where to Buy
You'll find Grevillea nudiflora at specialist native plant nurseries and some larger garden centres in Australia. Online retailers specialising in Australian native plants often stock this species. Check with local nurseries or botanical gardens for availability, as they may offer plants propagated from local populations.
Resources
For more information on Grevillea nudiflora, consult the Australian Native Plants Society or state-based native plant societies. These organisations provide detailed cultivation guides and species information. Botanic gardens' websites, particularly those in Western Australia, offer valuable resources on native plant care and conservation efforts for this species.