Grevilleas are sun lovers

Press, 15 January 1988, Page 15

Grevilleas are sun lovers

'GARDENING

by

Mike Lusty

Grevilleas are a genus of more than 250 evergreens, predominantly endemic to Australia with one or two found in Nev; Caledonia. A diverse range of predominantly shrubs is included, with some ground covers, and a few trees. The diversity of form, size, leaf, and flowers (which are without petals) is very considerable and provides tremendous scope in landscape use. Although species and forms have long enabled some selection to be made it is only in the last two decades that the local offering has been significantly increased, especially in the last few years. / Grevilleas are predominantly sun lovers and generally do not require any special attention. Average-to-poor soil suits them best, otherwise excessive growth is likely, but good drainage is essential.

Most species and forms respond to pruning and are tolerant to cutting back provided that it is carefully done.

There are some very hardy species and forms,

many of which are only suitable for warmer localities.

The ease with which Grevilleas hybridise has resulted in the introduction of a great number of both nondescript and proven forms. Many releases emanate from Lee Hodges’ Bairnsdale property, Poorinda, in Victoria. One such shrub is Grevillea “Poorinda Peter.”

Said to be a hybrid between G. canthifolia and G. longifolia, this cultivar is most distinctive for its very deeply lobed leaves, the upper surface of which is smooth and shiny while, the under side is a dull, flat green. The new foliage is notable for its purple-to-bronze tonings and the

stems are reddish in colour. The reddish-purple flowers are of the toothbrush type and are borne terminally; they appear in late winter and con-

tinue to do so well into the summer. This is a large and spreading shrub which must be given ample room to develop — the

specimen depicted in flower has attained more than 2m in height, by similar dimensions in width in less than three years.