Woolly Grevillea
grevillea lanigera
Also known as: ["Mountain Rose","Woolly Spider Flower"]
Overview
A compact, evergreen shrub native to Australia, known for its woolly leaves and attractive spider-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Grevillea |
| Botanical Name: | Grevillea lanigera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rockeries, banks, or as a groundcover in garden beds, also suitable for container planting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging; ensure excess water can escape freely from the pot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil; a mix of cactus soil, perlite, and a small amount of organic matter works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done every 2–3 months to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant; avoid heavy pruning unless n
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to bright indirect light; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily in cooler climates; partial shade in hot regions to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade if needed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light indoors; avoid placing in dark corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–6.5.
Use a pot with drainage holes; avoid overwatering; ensure soil is well-aerated; refresh soil every 2–3 years.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures between 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates light frosts but thrives in moderate climates; avoid extreme heat or prolonged cold.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat sources; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from sudden temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a fertilizer low in phosphorus for Proteaceae.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer yield the best results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
- Keep warm and moist.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing; avoid winter when growth is dormant.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix; ensure good aeration and moisture retention.
Hormone
Use a rooting hormone containing auxins to improve rooting success.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks; plants may take 3–6 months to establish and be ready for transplanting.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic cover, misting spray bottle, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or bud; remove crossing or crowded branches to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth; best done after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme weather.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom of the pot or soil surface; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning leaf edges in cold stress; wilting or leaf drop in temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback; prolonged cold may lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth or mulch; move potted plants indoors during freezes; ensure good air circulation to prevent cold dampness.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or bud drop; high temperatures may stress the plant and reduce vigor.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use a balanced fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicGrevillea lanigera can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats if ingested in significant amounts. The plant contains compounds that may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicGrevillea lanigera can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in significant amounts. The plant contains compounds that may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicGrevillea lanigera is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Grevillea lanigera be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, especially in drought-tolerant conditions.
Q: Does Grevillea lanigera attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Grevillea lanigera toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
