By David Twomey, EcoNews

Grevilleas are probably the most popular and widely cultivated of all of the Australian plants.

There are over 300 species of Grevilleas and most of which are native to Australia, but a few species occur in Papua New Guinea and north of Australia.

For a wide range of grevilleas go to The Native Shop www.nativeshop.com.au plants, seeds & more delivered to your door.

The plants occur in numerous shapes and sizes, so there is a perfect Grevillea for nearly every garden situation.

Most Grevilleas are small to medium shrubs but some are prostrate and a few can become large trees.

Grevilleas can be seen in flower at most times of the year but winter to early spring would be the peak flowering period.

One of the great features of grevilleas in gardens (apart from the colourful flowers) is that many attract honey-eating birds which act as pollinators for the plants.

Pruning Grevilleas in early Spring is very beneficial for the plants, cutting them back by about one third.

Old plants that are looking tired can be reborn by this manner, low-growing Grevilleas that have seen better days; you would simply pull them up and replace with a new plant, as within six months the new plant will have become well established.

Grevilleas do best in a sunny position with light, free-draining soil that is low in phosphates.

Although drought tolerant once established, they flower more freely and the foliage is healthier for occasional deep watering.

Grevillea Bronze Rambler

A ground cover 0.3 metres high, spreading to 3 metres.

New growth is a striking bronze colour and the flowers are a red toothbrush type that flower most of the year.

Grevillea Bronze Rambler prefers well-drained sites and is happy in either full sun or partial shade. Pruning will increase foliage density and encourage more flowers.

It should be planted at 2m apart for good coverage.

It would be an ideal plant for embankments or other large, open areas that require cover.

For a wide range of grevilleas go to The Native Shop www.nativeshop.com.au plants, seeds & more delivered to your door.