Bonfire Grevillea

Bonfire Grevillea (Grevillea johnsonii x wilsonii 'Bonfire') is a bushy native shrub of about 2m tall and wide, with vibrant red-pink flowers that bloom on and off throughout the year. Its parents come from opposite sides of the country, which should give it more resilience than most grevilleas. Fine, bronze-tipped leaves and nectar rich flowers make it a feature shrub that native birds visit.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers right through the year. Prominent red-pink flowers appear intermittently across the seasons, held at the ends of the stems.
• East meets west. One parent grows in sandstone in New South Wales and the other in sandy soil in south-west Western Australia, so it adapts to a range of climates and soils.
• Elegant foliage. Long, slender leaves are bronze when new, adding colour between flower flushes.
• Bushy to the ground. Dense growth right to the base is what makes an informal hedge work.
• Food for native birds. The flowers carry heaps of nectar, so it is a magnet for honeyeaters.

Where it works best

Informal hedges. Plant 1.5m apart in a single row. The shrubs meet in a loose, flowering screen about 2m high, ideal along a boundary with room to spare.

Feature shrub in wildlife gardens. Place it where you can watch the birds, such as outside a window or beside a seat.

Coastal gardens. It tolerates coastal conditions, so it can be used for exposed gardens near the sea.

Growing Bonfire Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a sunny position. It tolerates light frosts, is reported to cope with temperatures down to about -5C, and handles some dry spells and coastal conditions. The mix of eastern and western parentage suggests it will adapt to most climates from subtropical to cool temperate.

Soil. Plant in well drained soil with a neutral to acid pH.

Water and feed. Mulch well and water regularly until the plant is established. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser when buds form, and choose one with phosphorus under 3 per cent, because grevilleas are sensitive to phosphorus.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote new growth and flowering.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bonfire Grevillea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit a long hedge line planted in numbers, and the pots start with more growth. Either way it arrives small, and it takes a couple of seasons to reach its 2m size.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the grevillea range
• Best hedging plants
• Birds love these plants
• Grevillea care guide

Common questions

Can I use Bonfire as a hedge?

Yes, as an informal hedge. Plant 1.5m apart in a single row and prune lightly after flowering. It is bushy right down to the ground.

How cold can it handle?

It tolerates light frosts and is reported to cope with temperatures down to about -5C, so it suits many southern gardens.

Will it flower in winter?

It blooms intermittently across the year, so winter flowers are likely. Expect bursts of colour rather than one fixed season.