Woolly grevillea
Grevillea lanigera · Proteaceae
📷 Guitou1214 · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around woolly grevillea and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Type
- Evergreen shrub
- Mature height
- About 1 m
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and grey-green
- Flowering
- April to May
- Flowers
- Small red and cream flowers in clusters
- Hardiness
- Moderate (Mediterranean and warm temperate zones)
- Origin
- Australia (New South Wales)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Grevillea lanigera loves light, well-draining soil. Water regularly in spring-summer (no waterlogging), then stop in autumn.
The common mistake
Planting in unamended heavy soil or watering too often in winter: it gets leggy and roots rot.
The pro's trick
Improve the soil with sand and fine compost.
Care
Sunlight
Woolly Grevillea requires full sun exposure to flower generously. It appreciates a location sheltered from cold winter winds. Avoid prolonged shaded areas that reduce flowering.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season, especially during the first year. Once established, it tolerates drought well. Let the soil dry out between waterings and reduce significantly in winter.
Soil
This plant prefers well-drained, light and slightly acidic soil. Avoid heavy and chalky soils which can cause problems. Enrich the substrate with coarse sand or peat if necessary.
Fertilizing
Apply a specific fertilizer for Mediterranean plants in spring and early summer. Limit nitrogen input which favors foliage at the expense of flowering. Moderate feeding is sufficient for this undemanding plant.
Pruning and cleaning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove dead wood and weak branches. Avoid severe pruning which can weaken the plant.
Diseases and pests
In overly humid conditions, the plant can suffer from root rot. Watch for scale insects in hot, dry climates. Ensure good air circulation around the foliage.
Did you know?
Woolly Grevillea owes its scientific name to the Latin word 'lāna' meaning wool, referring to the fine and slightly downy foliage that feels soft to the touch. Belonging to the genus Grevillea, it is part of the prestigious Proteaceae family, famous for its exotic floral forms and remarkable adaptations to poor Australian soils. This species is highly valued in Mediterranean gardening for its elegance and ability to enhance dry areas.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Juniper-leaf grevilleaGrevillea juniperina
- Rosemary grevilleaGrevillea rosmarinifolia
- Southern Silky-oakGrevillea robusta
- Silver banksiaBanksia marginata
- Persoonia linearisPersoonia linearis
- Hairpin banksiaBanksia spinulosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.