Woolly Grevillea Grevillea lanigera 'Mount Tamboritha'

Water

The Woolly Grevillea prefers to be watered regularly, especially during long dry spells, with decreased watering in the winter months. It is drought-tolerant once established but performs best with consistent moisture. Provide about 1 gallon of water weekly during the growing season, and adjust based on rainfall, lessening the amount as the plant matures. It's crucial not to overwater as the plant doesn't like to sit in wet soil, so ensure good drainage. During the heat of summer, watering may be increased to twice a week if temperatures are consistently high.

Light

Woolly Grevillea thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the healthiest growth and best flowering, place it in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Light shade is beneficial in hotter climates to protect it during the peak afternoon heat.

Temperature

Woolly Grevillea is hardy and adapts to a wide range of temperatures, enduring minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They flourish in conditions that don't typically drop below freezing. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can tolerate short periods of colder and hotter temperatures as long as they are not extreme.

Pruning

Woolly Grevillea should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning is also beneficial for removing any dead or diseased wood. It is best to prune after flowering but doing so lightly throughout the year is acceptable. Pruning can stimulate new growth, which can lead to more flowers during the next blooming season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Woolly Grevillea thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing equal parts of loam, sand, and peat is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration, essential for preventing root rot. Regular checks for soil moisture and quality will maintain optimal growing conditions.

Repotting

Woolly Grevillea should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. It's crucial to use a fresh soil mix that meets the afore-mentioned requirements during repotting. This will encourage healthier growth and prevent the plant from becoming root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Woolly Grevillea prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of conditions. Ensure that indoor environments aren't excessively dry; however, it does not require the high humidity that tropical plants might need.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot with well-drained soil, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Grevillea lanigera 'Mount Tamboritha', commonly known as Woolly Grevillea, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically dispersed by wind or animal activity. After germination, which requires exposure to moisture and favorable temperatures, the seedling emerges and establishes a root system. As it grows into a juvenile plant, it develops its characteristic narrow, woolly leaves and begins to form a woody stem structure. Upon reaching maturity, Woolly Grevillea produces an abundance of red, pink, or cream spider-like flowers, attracting birds and insects that assist in pollination. After successful pollination, it sets fruit, which are follicles containing seeds ready for the next generation of plants. Woolly Grevillea can live for many years, continuously flowering and setting seed, contributing to the perpetuation of the species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Grevillea lanigera 'Mount Tamboritha', commonly known as Woolly Grevillea, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is during the late summer to early fall. To propagate using this method, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is taken from the semi-hardwood section of the plant, which is neither the newest growth nor the oldest wood. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. During this period, it's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent the cutting from rotting. Once the cutting has rooted and shows new growth, it can be transplanted into the garden or a desired container.