Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ – Ned Kelly Grevillea

Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ – Ned Kelly Grevillea

Habit and Habitat:
Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ is a hardy, medium-sized shrub selected for its dense habit and vivid orange-red to apricot-red toothbrush-style flowers. Though a cultivated hybrid rather than a naturally occurring species, it reflects the woodland and heathland origins of its parentage from southeastern Australia. It thrives in open, sunny sites with well-drained soils and tolerates periods of drought once established.

Place in Local Habitat and Ecosystem Distribution:
While not found in the wild as a stable population, ‘Ned Kelly’ performs an important ecological role in gardens and revegetation-style plantings. Like many grevilleas, it provides nectar during cooler months when other species may not be flowering, supporting honeyeaters, native bees and other pollinators.

Planting Companions:
This grevillea pairs well with understorey and mid-layer natives such as Correa reflexa, Dianella revoluta, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Themeda triandra, Bursaria spinosa, and smaller wattles like Acacia acinacea. These combinations create a layered, wildlife-friendly garden reflective of dry woodland communities.

Human and Wildlife Uses:
The rich red spider flowers are nectar-filled and highly attractive to honeyeaters and insects. In ornamental plantings, ‘Ned Kelly’ is valued for its long flowering period and suitability as an informal hedge or feature shrub. While this cultivar has no direct traditional use, many grevillea species were historically used by Indigenous Australians as nectar sources.

Care Instructions:
Plant in full sun for maximum flowering. It prefers well-drained soil and should not be grown in heavy, waterlogged clay. Use only low-phosphorus fertilisers suitable for Australian natives. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce watering as the plant matures. Light pruning after flowering encourages compact growth and prolongs plant health.

Size, Height, Width, Flower, and Leaf Characteristics:
Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ typically grows to 1.5–2 m high and 1.5–2 m wide, forming a rounded shrub. Leaves are grey-green, narrow and finely divided, giving the plant a soft texture. Flowers are deep red, spider-like, and appear mainly from late winter through spring, often extending into other seasons in favourable climates.

Latin Etymology:
The genus name Grevillea honours Charles Francis Greville, an 18th-century British patron of botany. As a named cultivar, ‘Ned Kelly’ does not carry a Latin species epithet; its name references the iconic Australian bushranger, reflecting its bold, distinctly Australian character.

Traditional Uses:
Although this cultivar has no traditional history, grevillea species more broadly were used by Indigenous Australians for their nectar, which was consumed directly or mixed with water to create a sweet drink.

Planting Guidelines:
Select a sunny, well-drained position with good airflow. Mulch lightly, keeping mulch clear from the stem. Ideal for wildlife gardens, screening, and mixed native borders, Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ offers reliable colour, habitat value and resilience with minimal maintenance in temperate Australian gardens.