South of Tathra, on the New South Wales coast is Bournda National Park, and Grevillea lanigera ‘Kangarutha Form’ was first identified near the Mt Kangarutha walking track in this area.
The ‘Kangarutha’ form of Woolly Grevillea offers vigorous growth with showy red-pink flowers and a prostrate habit, making it a standout for coastal and native gardens in south-eastern Australia.
This is a low growing form and will reach only around 40 – 60 cm in height, it is classed a dwarf form. With dense foliage and a spreading habit it make an excellent ground cover plant.
Flowering from winter through to early summer, the flowers are a cerise red, very waxy in appearance and appearing in tight clusters.
Foliage is held tightly to the stems and is a good mid to light green. When in full flower, this is a magnet for bees and nectar seeking birds, reason enough to include it in your garden.
Description
This regional variant grows as a suckering, low shrub or groundcover up to 1 m high and wide. Leaves are narrow-oblong, softly hairy, and deep green. Bright pink-red to cream flowers cluster at branch ends, peaking in winter-spring but appearing sporadically year-round.
Landscaping uses.
Use Grevillea lanigera ‘Kangarutha Form’ as a ground cover plant, also suited as a winter flowering feature in the border, or grow it in a container. It is low maintenance and requires very little extra care and could be mass planted in a commercial landscaping situation.
Ideal as:
- A tough groundcover for slopes or open woodlands.
- Specimen in rock gardens or massed for erosion control.
- Bird habitat provider in low-maintenance native designs
A yellow flowering form of G. lanigera is also available as is the popular Mt Tamboritha form.
Growing Conditions
- Position: Sunny spots or light shade.
- Soil: Well-drained; tolerates a range of native soils.
- Water: Low needs after establishment.
- Climate: Temperate, dry areas; avoid humid tropics.
- Fertiliser: Minimal; native-specific if used.
Basic Care
In a sunny position and a well drained soil, Grevillea lanigera ‘Kangarutha Form’ will require very little care once established. Some water through the first summer will be beneficial.
Prune lightly after flowering to keep the plant bushy and the foliage dense. A little specialist native plant fertiliser applied once a year will promote healthy growth.
Pruning and Maintenance
Encourage bushiness with tip pruning post-flowering. It regenerates well from suckers or seed
Grevillea lanigera ‘Kangarutha Form’ – Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Grevillea lanigera ‘Kangarutha Form’
- Common Name – None
- Position – Full un to a little afternoon shade.
- Soil – Humus rich and well drained.
- Height – Will reach 40 – 60 cm.
- Spread – Will form a bushy shrub to 80 cm across.
- Growth Rate – Medium.
- Flowers – Cerise red.
- Foliage – Mid green.
- Flowering period – Mainly through winter.
Propagation
It is possible to this plant from seed, also possible from semi hardwood cuttings,.
More Grevillea lanigera Varieties
