Grevillea acanthifolia: Beauty and Danger in the Native Garden
Grevillea acanthifolia, Bog Grevillea bloom
Grevillea acanthifolia, also known as Bog Grevillea, is an endangered species that’s endemic to the Blue Mountains. While its common name might not do it justice, this plant is a stunning specimen. The pink and purple blooms catch the eye, brightening your australian native garden. Despite its beauty, the name "Bog Grevillea" comes from its preferred growing conditions—the hanging swamps that are common in the Blue Mountains. However, I've found that this plant is more versatile than its reputation suggests.
In my own garden, I grow Grevillea acanthifolia next to my lower pond, on a slope where the soil is relatively dry. It does well in this environment, showing that its adapable. Although it prefers moist, bog-like soil, with careful placement, you can grow it in drier areas as well.
Physical Features and Growth Habit
Grevillea acanthifolia is a shrub that can grow up to 2-3 metres high, making it a great shrub. Its leaves are something of a contradiction—beautiful but dangerous. Each leaf is deeply dissected, with sharp-tipped segments that are often curled downwards, giving the plant a distinctive look. The leaves are alternately spaced along the stems, measuring between 4 to 9 cm long and 30 to 70 mm wide. The lower surfaces of the leaves are hairless. th beautiful pink/purple blooms mainly flower from October to February, making them a delightful sight through the warmer months.
Leaves of Grevillea acanthifolia with notable sharp spines on leave tips.
Handling with Care
As much as I love this plant, it comes with a warning: Grevillea acanthifolia’s leaves are razor-sharp, true to its botanical name which comes from Acanthus, meaning "thorny" or "spiny". I can't tell you how many times I've been working in the garden, only to have a fallen leaf pierce through my gloves and lodge itself in my skin. Worse yet, sometimes I'll be tending to a nearby plant and accidentally brush against its spiny leaves! my recommendation is that this Grevillea i suited to the middle to back of your garden beds away from paths or grassed areas. It’s hard to reconcile how something so beautiful could be so hostile—an analogy for Australia’s landscapes in general, I suppose.
Burgundy or red stems of Grevillea acanthifolia, Bog Grevillea
Cultivating Versatility
Grevillea acanthifolia has proven to be a surprisingly adaptable addition to my garden. While it prefers boggy, moist environments, as its name suggests, it can also survive in drier soils if given the right care. Regular watering is key for best performance. Deadheading spend blooms encourages a better form in les than ideal conditions.
For those interested in native Australian plants, Grevillea acanthifolia is a must-have in cool climate Australian native gardens. It provides not only visual interest with its bold blooms but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability found in nature. Whether you plant it in a boggy corner of your garden or, like me, experiment with it in a drier spot, giving this endangered grevillea a go is a must to save the species.
