Plant Profile: Grevillea
Traits: Sun, Feature, Hedge, Groundcover, Rockery, Container, Birds
Mostly confined to Australia except for a few Melanesian natives, the 340-odd species of this genus belong to the protea (Proteaceae) family and range from small shrubs to large trees. They are evergreen plants, with needle-like to fern-like foliage and distinctive flowers. They are valued not only for their great beauty, but also for the timber of several species. Many have nectar-rich flowers that attract insects, birds, or animals all of which are pollinators. Most of the hybrids fall into 3 groups, each derived from a limited range of parent species, but with none shared between the groups. The groups are: the Banksia Group, the Rosmarinifolia Group, and the Toothbrush Group, while a few hybrids can be placed in the Miscellaneous Group. The genus is named for Charles Francis Greville (17491809), a founder of the Royal Horticultural Society and friend of botanist Sir Joseph Banks.
Flowering Season: Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring
Ranging from small shrubs to large trees, grevilleas are evergreen plants, with needle-like to narrow leaves or ferny pinnate foliage, usually in whorls around the stems. The flowers, which are fragrant in some species, are arranged in three basic forms: spider-like, toothbrush-like, and large brushes. Their flowerheads, which open at varying times, are composed of many small flowers, usually in shades of yellow, orange, or red, with long filamentous styles.
Plant grevilleas in a sunny position with light, gritty, 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. Propagation is from half-hardened cuttings; a few cultivars are grafted, and the species may be raised from seed.