Grevillea Deua Flame (rhyolitica)

Description:
Grevillea rhyolitica 'Deua Flame', commonly known as Deua Flame Grevillea, is a compact and hardy evergreen shrub that is highly valued for its vibrant red flowers and dense foliage. Native to the Deua National Park in New South Wales, Australia, this Grevillea is ideal for small gardens or as a feature in larger landscapes. It’s well-known for attracting birds and pollinators, making it a favorite for wildlife gardens. Its long flowering period and resilience in various conditions make it an excellent low-maintenance choice for gardeners.

Flowers:
The plant produces bright red, spider-like flowers that appear year-round, with a peak in spring and summer. The nectar-rich blooms are particularly attractive to birds, especially honey-eaters, as well as bees and butterflies. The striking red flowers contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage, providing ongoing visual interest.

Foliage:
The foliage consists of dark green, lance-shaped leaves with a leathery texture. The dense, bushy growth habit creates a lush, full appearance, making it suitable as both a feature plant and a background filler in garden beds.

Fruit:
After flowering, small, woody seed pods may develop, though these are not a significant ornamental feature. The focus of this plant is on its vibrant blooms.

Form and Size:
Grevillea 'Deua Flame' is a compact shrub, typically reaching 1-1.5 meters in height and width. Its rounded, dense form makes it ideal for hedging, borders, or as a feature shrub in smaller gardens. Its compact size also makes it suitable for container growing.

Growing Conditions:
This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Once established, Grevillea 'Deua Flame' is drought-tolerant and can handle light frosts, making it suitable for a range of climates. It is best to avoid heavy clay soils or overly wet conditions.

Uses:
Grevillea rhyolitica 'Deua Flame' is perfect for use as a feature plant, in mixed native garden beds, or as a low hedge. Its compact growth habit and long-lasting flowers make it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, courtyards, or rockeries. The flowers provide food for native wildlife, making it an essential addition to bird-attracting gardens.

Maintenance:
Low-maintenance and hardy, this plant requires little care once established. Occasional pruning after flowering will encourage a more compact shape and promote fresh growth. It benefits from mulching and a low-phosphorus fertilizer in spring to support flowering and overall health.

Notes:
This Grevillea is valued for its resilience and long flowering period. It is well-suited to gardens aiming to attract wildlife, particularly nectar-feeding birds. Avoid using high-phosphorus fertilizers, as they can harm Grevilleas.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other Australian natives such as Westringia, Leptospermum, and Callistemon. It also works well with ornamental grasses like Lomandra or silver-leafed plants like Eremophila for textural contrast.

Common Name: Deua Flame Grevillea
Botanical Name: Grevillea rhyolitica 'Deua Flame'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (New South Wales)

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