A Bottlebrush Bandit with a Heart of Gold: Meet Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’
Australia is renowned for its unique flora, and among its most captivating offerings is the Proteaceae family. This diverse group boasts iconic members like Banksias and Macadamias, and today we’re focusing on a fiery beauty named Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’.
This isn’t your average garden variety shrub (pun intended). Bred for its vibrant flowers and resilient nature, Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ is a horticultural masterpiece that pays homage to its namesake – the legendary Australian bushranger.
Unmasking the Bandit: Origin and Appearance
This hybrid Grevillea is a testament to human ingenuity, a cross between the parent species Grevillea rhyolitica and Grevillea rosmarinifolia. This lineage bestows ‘Ned Kelly’ with a compact, upright habit, typically reaching 1-1.5 meters in height and width. Its foliage, reminiscent of rosemary, boasts needle-like, dark green leaves, providing a stunning backdrop for its show-stopping blooms.
And oh, those blooms! From late winter to spring, ‘Ned Kelly’ bursts forth in a blaze of fiery red-orange, cylindrical flowers that truly resemble the namesake bottlebrushes of its bandit namesake. These striking blooms aren’t just easy on the eyes; they’re a magnet for nectar-loving birds, bringing an added dimension of life and color to your garden.
Taming the Wild: Cultivating ‘Ned Kelly’
Don’t let the rugged Australian spirit of ‘Ned Kelly’ intimidate you; this Grevillea is surprisingly low-maintenance. It thrives under the sun, tolerating even exposed positions, and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it exhibits impressive drought tolerance, needing minimal watering to thrive.
Like any good outlaw, it prefers freedom from constraint – avoid heavy pruning, opting instead for light shaping after flowering to maintain its natural form and encourage bushier growth, leading to even more of those spectacular blossoms.
Why ‘Ned Kelly’ Should Be Your Next Garden Recruit
This Grevillea isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a hardy, adaptable plant that can withstand challenging conditions, making it perfect for waterwise gardens and landscapes yearning for a touch of Australian charm.
Here are just a few reasons why ‘Ned Kelly’ deserves a place in your garden:
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant red-orange flowers provide a stunning contrast against the dark green foliage, transforming your garden into a breathtaking spectacle.
- Wildlife Friendly: The nectar-rich blooms attract a variety of birds, filling your outdoor space with delightful activity.
- Low Maintenance: Its drought tolerance and minimal pruning needs make it an ideal choice for busy gardeners or those seeking a low-water landscape.
- Versatile Planting: ‘Ned Kelly’ shines as a feature plant, in mixed shrub borders, or even as a low informal hedge.
So, if you’re looking for a plant that’s equal parts beauty and brawn, look no further than Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’. This robust bloomer with its fiery spirit and captivating charm is sure to become a treasured addition, adding a touch of the Australian outback to any garden setting.
