Grevillea lanigera Mt Tamboritha

Description:
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha', commonly known as Woolly Grevillea, is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub prized for its dense mat of fine foliage and attractive pink and cream flowers. This hardy Australian native is ideal for use as a groundcover, rockery plant, or in borders, where it adds year-round interest and helps suppress weeds. It is particularly suited to coastal and low-water gardens due to its drought tolerance and adaptability to a variety of growing conditions.

Flowers:
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' produces small, spider-like flowers that range in color from soft pink to cream, appearing mainly in winter and spring. These nectar-rich blooms attract birds, bees, and butterflies, adding to the ecological value of the plant. Flowering may also occur sporadically throughout the year in favorable conditions.

Foliage:
The fine, needle-like leaves are grey-green, giving the plant a soft, woolly appearance. The dense foliage creates a lush groundcover effect, making it ideal for suppressing weeds and stabilizing soil. The compact, mounding habit of the foliage makes it a popular choice for rockeries, embankments, and borders.

Fruit:
Occasionally, small, woody seed pods may form after flowering, but these are not a significant feature of the plant. The focus is on its long-lasting flowers and ornamental foliage.

Form and Size:
This low-growing shrub typically reaches around 30-50 cm in height, with a spread of 1-2 meters. Its spreading, mounding form makes it an excellent choice as a groundcover, especially in areas where a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant is needed.

Growing Conditions:
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and can adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. This plant is frost-tolerant and performs well in coastal gardens due to its resistance to salt-laden winds. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and support healthy growth.

Uses:
This versatile groundcover is ideal for use in rockeries, garden borders, embankments, and coastal plantings. Its dense, mat-forming growth makes it perfect for stabilizing slopes or as a low-maintenance groundcover in water-wise gardens. It is also highly attractive to wildlife, particularly birds and pollinators, due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Maintenance:
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established. Light pruning after flowering helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Apply a low-phosphorus native fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth. Avoid overwatering, as this plant prefers well-drained conditions.

Notes:
This groundcover Grevillea is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of climates, making it a great choice for low-water and coastal gardens. It is also a valuable plant for erosion control on slopes and embankments. Avoid using high-phosphorus fertilizers, as these can be harmful to Grevilleas.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with other Australian natives like Westringia, Leptospermum, and Callistemon. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an ideal companion to taller shrubs or small trees such as Banksia or Melaleuca.

Common Name: Woolly Grevillea
Botanical Name: Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia

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