With its sumptuously deep orange flowers, Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ is one of the most luxurious native shrubs you can grow at home, and you can grow it in nearly any part of the country with very little effort.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about growing this luscious shrub to make the most of its sweetly scented blooms and attract native birds as a soul-swelling bonus.
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Family: | Proteaceae |
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Genus: | Grevillea |
Hybrid: | G. glossadenia x G. venusta |
Common Names: | Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ |
Origin: | Australian Native |
Location: | Outdoor |
Type: | Shrub |
Height: | Up to 2.5 metres |
Width: | Up to 2 metres |
Sun requirements: | full sun to partial shade |
Foliage Colour: | grey-green |
Flower Colour: | orange/red |
Flowering: | winter to early spring |
Edible Parts: | fruit that attracts nectar-feeding birds |
Maintenance level: | low maintenance |
Poisonous for pets: | Non-toxic to pets |
What is Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’?
Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ is a stunning ornamental shrub, bred from G. glossadenia and G. venusta. As such, it technically isn’t native to anywhere, but it grows with a similarly dense habit to its parents and can grow up to 2 metres tall after just a few years.
Growing Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’
Best Conditions for Planting Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’
As with all Grevilleas, Orange Marmalade needs a generous planting hole, and some good quality compost mixed through your garden soil, regardless of its composition. Start by digging a hole at least twice the size of the root ball, and adding a 2” layer of compost to the base, then backfilling with the soil you dug out.
After planting, water thoroughly with at least 6 litres of water, then mulch with another 2” layer of compost to retain moisture as the roots establish.
Soil
Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ grows best in well-draining soil, so most Australian gardens will work perfectly. Very sandy soil will be improved by adding a small amount of compost, while clay soils should be dug out with a much larger planting hole to prevent waterlogging.
Ideally, soil for Grevilleas should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-6.5.
Light & Temperature
Grevillea Marmalade prefers full sun to part shade. These flowering shrubs can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in moderate to warm temperatures, and can sometimes be damaged by frost.
Water Requirements
Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ is drought-tolerant, but it does need regular watering for the first few months, and then once a week for its first and second summers, until it establishes. Once established, you should water only in extreme drought, or if the soil is truly bone dry.
How to Propagate Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’
Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ Propagation from Seed
Grevillea seeds need to be soaked in boiling water for 24 hours before planting. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil, keep the soil moist, then place them in a warm, bright location. They should germinate within 4-8 weeks.
Propagating Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ from Cuttings
Take semi-hardwood cuttings from Grevilleas in early spring or early autumn. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, and place the cuttings in a warm, sunny spot.
The cuttings should root in about 6-8 weeks but allow them to root fully in their pots before planting out in the garden. (Find out more about how to take cuttings here.)
Grevillea Marmalade Pests and Diseases
Grevillea Marmalade is generally pest and disease free, but like any outdoor plants with fresh spring or summer growth, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
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If your grevillea is wilting, showing leaf spots, or buds are failing to open, check for pests and wash them off with a strong hose jet.
Check out our main Grevillea post and discover more species and cultivars to grow in your garden.
Wrapping Up Our Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ Growing Guide
Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ is a stunning plant with genetic origins in Australia. Like most natives, it is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a great choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance structure for the backs of borders, or along boundaries.
As long as you make sure to give it well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, and regular watering, your Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ will thrive and bring joy to your garden for years to come.
Published on May 5, 2023 by Nathan Schwartz
Last Updated on February 23, 2024