Grevillea lanigera × lavandulacea ‘Cherry Ripe’ – Grevillea

Grevillea lanigera × lavandulacea ‘Cherry Ripe’ – Grevillea

Habit and Habitat:
‘Cherry Ripe’ is a naturally occurring hybrid between Grevillea lanigera and Grevillea lavandulacea, both species native to southeastern Australia. It forms a dense, low to medium shrub with a spreading habit. While the hybrid itself is not found wild as a stable population, its parent species occur in open woodlands, heathy forests and rocky slopes, often in well-drained soils with seasonal moisture.

Place in Local Habitat and Ecosystem Distribution:
This hybrid reflects the ecological niche of its parent species, which occur across Victoria and southern New South Wales. In garden and revegetation settings, ‘Cherry Ripe’ functions as an understorey shrub, providing nectar, shelter and structure similar to wild grevilleas. It is especially valuable in supporting pollinators where native vegetation has been fragmented.

Planting Companions:
‘Cherry Ripe’ pairs well with other small to medium shrubs and grasses such as Correa reflexa, Dianella revoluta, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Themeda triandra, Acacia acinacea and low-growing Banksia species. These combinations suit dry woodland and heath-style plantings.

Human and Wildlife Uses:
The red and cream spider flowers are rich in nectar and highly attractive to honeyeaters, native bees and other insects. While not traditionally used as a food plant, grevilleas have long been valued for their ecological role and ornamental qualities. ‘Cherry Ripe’ is now widely used in native gardens for its long flowering period and wildlife value.

Care Instructions:
Plant in full sun to light shade in free-draining soil. Like most grevilleas, ‘Cherry Ripe’ dislikes heavy clay and phosphorus-rich fertilisers. It is drought-tolerant once established and benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain a compact form and encourage new growth.

Size, Height, Width, Flower, and Leaf Characteristics:
This shrub typically reaches 1–1.5 m high and 1.5–2 m wide. Leaves are narrow to elliptic, grey-green and softly hairy, reflecting its lanigera parentage. Flowers appear mainly from winter through spring, with deep red styles and pale cream to pinkish perianths.

Latin Etymology:
Grevillea is named after Charles Francis Greville, a British patron of botany. The species names lanigera (“wool-bearing”) and lavandulacea (“lavender-like”) describe the hairy foliage and leaf shape of the parent plants.

Traditional Uses:
While this hybrid has no direct traditional use, many grevillea species were used by Indigenous Australians for nectar, either collected directly or mixed with water as a sweet drink. The plant continues this legacy by supporting nectar-feeding wildlife.

Planting Guidelines:
To grow ‘Cherry Ripe’ successfully in a home garden, choose a sunny, well-drained site and avoid overwatering once established. Mulch lightly, keeping material clear of the stem. Ideal for wildlife gardens, informal hedging or as a feature shrub, this grevillea offers reliable colour, habitat value and resilience in low-input native landscapes.