Wooly Grevillea - Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' (Woolly Grevillea)

Grevillea 'Mt Tamboritha' is a compact, spreading evergreen shrub admired for its dense foliage and stunning pinkish-red and cream spider-like flowers. Thriving in coastal and inland gardens, it’s perfect for groundcover, embankments, or spilling over retaining walls.

• Height and Width: Grows up to 40 cm tall and 1-2 meters wide.
• Foliage: Dense, evergreen, with foliage crowded along the stems.
• Flowers: Masses of pinkish-red and cream spider-like flowers bloom year-round, with peak flowering in late winter and spring.
• Growth Habit: Low-growing and spreading, ideal for groundcover and rockeries.
• Position: Prefers full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil but tolerates dry conditions once established.
• Tolerance: Tolerates coastal conditions, light frost, and extended dry periods.
• Etymology: Grevillea is named after Charles Francis Greville, co-founder of the Royal Horticultural Society, and lanigera means "woolly," referring to the soft, hairy foliage.

Detailed Description: Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' is a versatile and hardy native shrub, known for its compact size and spreading habit. Its soft, dense foliage hugs the ground, creating a lush carpet of greenery that is perfect for erosion control on slopes or embankments. The plant's year-round flowering habit ensures continuous interest, with its spider-like flowers attracting birds and pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity.

This cultivar thrives in sunny to partially shaded positions and is well-suited to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Its adaptability to coastal conditions and resistance to light frost and extended dry periods make it a resilient choice for low-maintenance gardens. Regular pruning after flowering can help maintain its compact shape and encourage further blooming.

Planting Benefits:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Creates a colorful and lush groundcover with year-round interest.
• Wildlife Attraction: Attracts birds and pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
• Erosion Control: Ideal for embankments and retaining walls due to its spreading growth habit.
• Low Maintenance: Hardy and adaptable, requiring minimal care once established.

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' is a standout choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful, practical, and resilient plant for groundcover or borders, with the added benefit of supporting local wildlife.