Most grevilleas are known for their curling inflorescence that are reminiscent of nylon bristles, yet Grevillea Magnifica seems to buck the trend. It's flowers, by comparison, are soft and dainty and could easily fit into the Callistemon family (bottlebrushes).

The beautiful pinky, purples that blaze from its blooms are ideal for any native garden looking for that extra pizazz and it's the main reason we decided to give it a go in our garden. The other being its seemingly paranormal growing habit.

While most of the grevilleas are compact shrubs holding their blooms close to their foliage, sometimes even hidden within their leaves, G. Magnifica is a little different. It shrubs, as most do, but then sends flowering canes skyward almost a metre above the main growth. Plus, it produces multiple flowers on each stem.

Like most grevilleas they prefer a loamy to sandy soil and will struggle in clay environments. They don't require fertilising although a good slow-release applied in spring will aid in it's compact, shrubby growth. And pruning - leave it to the birds who will flock to these rather iridescent beacons - however, removing the dead flowering canes will keep it looking a treat.

G. Magnifica will grow with a base of 1.5-2m and a height of the same. Then the flowering canes will add another metre at least at the end of winter and in early spring.

Propagation is performed best via soft-wood cuttings or air-layering in late autumn.