Jessie Keith
Family
Proteaceae
Botanical Name
GREVILLEA
Plant Common Name
Grevillea
General Description
Grevillea comprises some 250 species of evergreen shrubs and trees, primarily from Australia. A few are native to New Caledonia or other islands to Australia's north.
Grevillea typically have deeply toothed or lobed leaves, giving their foliage a feathery appearance. Their colorful flowers are usually borne in spidery or toothbrush-like clusters. Nectar-seeking insects and birds visit and pollinate the flowers. Individual flowers are tubular with four long petal-like sepals and a protruding style. Small dry two-seeded fruits develop after pollination, splitting to release their seed. Most Grevillea have a long bloom season, with some flowering in winter.
These sun-loving, generally pest-free shrubs and trees require well-drained, non-alkaline soil, and do poorly in areas with hot damp summers. Many Grevillea tolerate a few degrees of frost. Shrubby types make excellent subjects for cool or temperate greenhouses and sunrooms.
Numerous horticultural selections and hybrids exist for landscape use. Many Grevillea naturally hybridize, but garden hybrids are usually propagated by grafting. Grevillea often self-sow freely, making them potentially invasive in favorable climates.
Characteristics
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Native To
Melanesia, Australia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Evergreen
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
