GREENGOLD GARDEN CONCEPTS
CARE AND MAINTENANCE NOTES

GREVILLEAS

They belong to the family Proteaceae, named after the greek sea god, Proteus, who was known for his ability to change form. A wide variety of leaf and flower shapes characterizes the plants.

GREVILLEAS are named after Charles Greville, an 18th century patron of botany. There are som 100 species in the genus, Grevillea, with hundreds of varieties and sub species, almost all of which are native to Australia.

Every gardener should find room for a Grevillea.

Some grevilleas are commonly known as "spider flowers" because of the arrangement of the flowers as in G. buxifolia, but they vary greatly from a single flower to short clusters, and the well known toothbrush arrangement such as G. acanthifolia, and G. gaudichaudi. Grevillea seed cases also vary greatly in shape and mostly hold two seeds. They often are very conspicuously striped, and interesting feature.

There is also a wide range of leaf types, from the very fine wispy leaves to large holly-like ones which makes grevilleas an excellent choice both for blending foliage and using it to create contrasts in landscaping.

Grevilleas mostly flower from late winter into spring, but there are a number of species which you will find adding color to the hot summer. Some, like the popular G. "Robyn Gordon" are never without a flower.

Grevilleas occur all over Australia from the tropics to alpine areas and the dry inland parts. This means that there are species for all soils and aspects. They range in size from ground cover plants such as G. laurifolia to tall trees such as the popular silky oak, G. robusta so, there is one that will suit every garden ! Also, Grevilleas are wonderful bird attractors. They are mostly bird pollinated. Their bright flowers will attract birds to the garden, especially honeyeaters. The flowers and seeds are very attractive to parrots. The species with prickly foliage make excellent nesting sites for insect eating birds and also prtect small birds from animals and larger birds. Green flowering grevilleas have been found to be especially attractive to nectar feeding birds.

CARE OF GREVILLEAS

Most grevilleas are easily grown and are tolerant of a wide range of well-drained soils. Some species are difficult and present a challenge to native plant enthusiasts, which is part of the interest and fascination of the genus.

Grevilleas respond well to pruning. Unpruned plants become leggy and do not flower as freely . Prune after flowering - in late spring or early summer. Remove about 10 cm all over from the smaller spider flowers, but the more vigorous brush flowered grevilleas should be more heavily pruned.

FERTILIZE grevilleas very carefully.All members of the Protaeceae family are intolerant of high concentrations of phosphorus. Make sure that what you use is low in phosphorus - such as blood and bone, or Osmocote or Nutricote for natives.

CHOICE: Choosing grevilleas is a matter of consideration of site, soil, landscaping needs, and the availability of plants held by your Greengold Garden Centre. There are many hybrid grevilleas available and if you check with your Greengold Garden Centre, you will be offered a wide choice, and guidance, because fashions change, and some of the older hybrids may not be available now.

Discuss your garden aspects with your Greengold Garden Centre specialists, who will advise you on what is currently available..

The following basic lists may give you some suggestions:

Grevilleas for rockeries and where small shrubs may be suitable:

acanthifolia, alpina, aquifolium, australis, "austraflora Canterbury Gold", "austraflora Old Gold", baueri,"bronze rambler","Carpet Queen",confertifolia, biternata, diminuta, "Forest Rambler", x gaudichaudi' "jolly swagman", juniperina, juniperina "Molonglo", Lanigera, Lanigera Mt. Tamboritha, Laurifolia, lavandulacea, microstegia, "Pink Lady", "Poorinda Royal Mantle:", renwickiana, repens, tenuiloba.

OTHER SMALLER GREVILLEAS - arenaria, brachystylis,diffusa "Gold Rush", Rosmarinifolia (or a modern similar hybrid), "Austraflora Jubilee", obtusiflora, PINK or SCARLET sprite.

LONG FLOWERING GREVILLEAS - acanthifolia, arenaria, "Austraflora Canterbury Gold,", "Boongala Spinebill",caleyi,"Clearview David" ,endlicherana ,glabrata, hookeriana, jephcottii, "Jubilee", lavandulacea, Longifolia, Longistyla, "Misty Pink", "Ned Kelly", "Pink Lady", "Poorinda - most hybrids", "Sandra Gordon", shiressi, speciosa, "Wakiti Gem", Asplenifolia, banksii,buxifolia, "Canberra Gem", "Dargan Hill", "Honey Gem", "Ivanhoe".