How to Grow Grevillea Canberra Gem - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Grevillea canberra gem is an erect, evergreen shrub that typically grows to 2-3 m (6.6-9.8 ft) tall and as wide. It has deeply lobed, dark green leaves and conspicuous, bright red flowers which appear in clusters from winter to spring.

How to Grow Grevillea Canberra Gem - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Grevillea caleyi
  • Grevillea capitata
  • Grevillea crithmifolia
  • Grevillea cuneifolia
  • Grevillea obtusifolia

Common Knowledge

  • Grevillea canberra gem is a shrub or small tree that is native to the ACT and surrounding regions.
  • It grows to around 4 metres in height and has a spreading habit.
  • The leaves are dark green in colour and are divided into small, sharp-toothed lobes.
  • The flowers are red, pink or white and appear in clusters during spring and summer.
  • Grevillea canberra gem is tolerant of a range of soil types and conditions.
  • It is drought tolerant once established, but will benefit from occasional watering during extended dry periods.
  • It is frost tolerant and can handle light to moderate frosts.
  • Grevillea canberra gem is a relatively low-maintenance plant and does not require regular pruning.
  • It can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • It is a popular choice for gardeners due to its attractive flowers and foliage, as well as its low-maintenance requirements.

Planting Process

  1. For grevillea canberra gem, first step is to find a well-drained location that gets full sun.
  2. Next, you will need to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Once the hole is dug, mix some compost or other organic matter into the native soil to improve drainage.
  4. Now it is time to plant your grevillea canberra gem. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots before planting.
  5. Put the plant in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  6. Backfill the hole with the native soil, tamping it down around the plant.
  7. Water the plant well, using a slow, steady stream, until the soil is thoroughly moistened.
  8. Apply a 2-3 inch (5-5 cm) layer of mulch around the plant, making sure not to pile it up against the stem.
  9. Grevillea canberra gem generally does not require much fertilization, but you can give it a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful grevillea canberra gem!

Related plant:
Grevillea Scarlet Sprite

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the Grevillea Canberra Gem needs well-drained, sandy to loamy soil, and it is best if the soil is slightly acidic. This plant is not tolerate of wet or heavy soils. If the soil is too alkaline, it can result in yellowing of the leaves.

Light requirement

Similar to other Grevilleas, the Canberra Gem Grevillea does best when planted in a sunny spot that has well-drained soil. It is a tough plant that is tolerant of poor soils, but it will not flower as profusely in shady positions.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for Grevillea Canberra Gem are cool to moderate temperatures. This plant can tolerate some frost and can even survive in temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius. However, it is best to avoid extremely cold or hot temperatures.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60%. The plant cannot tolerate conditions that are too moist or too dry. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will begin to yellow and the plant will become more susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant need the phosphate and nitrogen during different growth stages. For the Canberra Gem, a balanced fertilizer with 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 formula can be used during the spring and summer. You can also use the organic fertilizer such as the manure or compost. It's important to know that too much fertilizer will damage the plant. For the root, the Canberra Gem has a fibrous root system, which is good for holding the soil in place.

Plant Pruning

Pruning Grevillea canberra gem is best done in late winter to early spring. This will ensure that the plant has time to recover from any pruning damage before the hot summer weather arrives. Plants that are pruned too late in the season may not have enough time to heal properly before the heat arrives, which can cause further damage.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Grevillea canberra gem is best done from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained seed raising mix and kept moist. Cuttings can be taken from new growth and should be treated with a rooting hormone before being placed in a well-drained cutting mix.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate relatively slowly, taking about two years to mature. However, conditions such as soil type, climate, and amount of sunlight can affect growth rate. In general, this plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, spider mites, and scale. These pests are all small insects that can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Aphids and spider mites can also be controlled with ladybugs.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant your grevillea canberra gem in an area that gets full sun.
  • Water your plant regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks with a high-phosphorus fertilizer.
  • Pinch back the tips of the plant regularly to encourage bushier growth.
  • deadhead spent blossoms to encourage continued blooming.
  • Protect your plant from strong winds, which can damage the fragile leaves.
  • Grevillea canberra gem is susceptible to several pests and diseases, so be sure to monitor your plant carefully and take appropriate action if needed.
  • This plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • Grevillea canberra gem is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it will need occasional pruning to keep it looking its best.
  • Enjoy

Substitution

  • Grevillea brachystylis - Grevillea canberra gem
  • Grevillea hilliana - Grevillea canberra gem
  • Grevillea nivalis - Grevillea canberra gem
  • Grevillea rosmarinifolia - Grevillea canberra gem
  • Grevillea thelemanniana - Grevillea canberra gem
  • Grevillea Canberra Gem is a kind of Grevillea that requires full sun; and is drought tolerant, evergreen; cold tolerant; fragrant.
  • More inforamtion about Grevillea Canberra Gem in this website.

Source:
Grevillea victoriae | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Home - GEM College of International Business
Growing Grevilleas | Online Training | Grevillea Correspondence …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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