Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

16 other cultivars

shrub

Ned Kelly Grevillea

Grevillea x hybrida 'Ned Kelly'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a diverse genus of evergreen shrubs and trees in the Proteaceae family, native to Australia and characterized by highly modified, petal-less flowers with long, prominent styles. These plants are adapted to nutrient-poor, well-drained soils and have evolved specialized proteoid roots to maximize phosphorus uptake.

'Ned Kelly' is a dense, spreading hybrid cultivar that produces large, orange-red, brush-like flower clusters up to six inches long throughout most of the year. The stiff, deeply divided foliage resembles fern fronds and has dark green upper surfaces with pale grey-green undersides.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round color with large, bright orange-red brush-like flowers and deeply divided, fern-like foliage.

Offers high drought tolerance and moderate salt tolerance, making it suitable for xeric and coastal gardens.

Serves as a major nectar source for hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators in the landscape.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

78"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Late winter – Fall

In flower about 10 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun and highly drained, sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a deep watering schedule only until the root system is established.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after a major flowering flush to maintain a dense, bushy form; cutting back into old, leafless brown wood prevents the plant from resprouting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use specialized native plant fertilizers with phosphorus levels below three percent.
Plant on mounds or in raised beds if your garden has heavy clay soil.
Wear gloves when handling the foliage to prevent contact dermatitis.

Don't

Do not apply general-purpose garden fertilizers containing high phosphorus.
Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in poorly drained, soggy soil.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Xeric landscapingHummingbird gardensHedges and screens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Banksia Leucadendron

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ned Kelly Grevillea questions

What zones can Ned Kelly Grevillea grow in?

Ned Kelly Grevillea is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ned Kelly Grevillea deer resistant?

Yes — Ned Kelly Grevillea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Ned Kelly Grevillea bloom?

Ned Kelly Grevillea typically blooms in late winter through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ned Kelly Grevillea need full sun?

Ned Kelly Grevillea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Ned Kelly Grevillea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ned Kelly Grevillea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.