Grevillea Flowers

Grevillea Flowers In Uk. See Photos, Read Facts

Name : Grevillea Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Grevillea, (Grevillea sericea)
Grevillea Description

Grevillea is a diverse genus comprising of about 360 species of evergreen flowering plants in the Protea family (Proteaceae). Grevillea are native to Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Sulawesi. The genus derives its name “Grevillea” in honour of Charles Francis Greville (1749-1809), founder of the Royal Horticultural Society.

The Gorgeous Grevillea flower is known by the common names Grevillea, Spider Flower, Toothbrush, Silky-oak, Red silky oak, Dwarf silky oak, Banks' grevillea, Byfield waratah and, in Hawaii, Kahili flower or Kahili tree. Grevillea derives the common name Spider flower due to the shape of the flower with petals like a spider’s legs.

Grevilleas have unique showy colourful flowers that don't look much like any other flowers in the garden. Grevillea blossoms are grouped in big cone-like clusters often with snail like curled petals and long protruding anthers. Their flower heads are composed of many small flowers which open up at varying times.

Grevillea flowers are arranged in three basic forms:

Spider-like
Toothbrush-like
Large Brushes
Grevilleas have a unique blend of colours flushed with reds, pinks, yellows, oranges and whites.

These evergreen plants have needle-like to fern-like foliage and are valued not only for their great beauty, but also for the timber of several species. Grevilleas vary in height ranging from small shrubs half a meter tall to large trees as tall as 35 metres.

Grevilleas prefer a sunny position with light, gritty, well-drained soil that is low in phosphates since phosphates tend to damage the plant. They can tolerate partial shade as well. Most Grevillea varieties are drought-tolerant once established and do not handle over-watering very well. But they flower more freely and the foliage is healthier if deeply watered occasionally. Grevillea propagates from seed or from soft tip cuttings from December-March and their flowers are available all year round. Grevillea have nectar-rich flowers that attract insects, birds, or animals all of which are pollinators. These visitors also keep Grevilleas safe from pest attacks. Root rot is usually a common cause of death for Grevilleas in wet conditions.

Grevillea will add drama and colour to your garden, this enigmatic flower makes one marvel at the wonders of nature. Grevillea is also a good addition to flower arrangements with a vase life of 3-9 days. It will add mystery and texture to any bouquet or table centre piece, making it extraordinary and attractive.

Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' is probably the most popular cultivar of this plant. It is a small shrub about 1.5 metres tall which can flower 12 months of the year in subtropical climates. Other popular varieties include Pink Spider Flower (Grevillea sericea), Grey Spider Flower (Grevillea buxifolia) Red Spider Flower (Grevillea speciosa), White Spider Flower (Grevillea linearifolia), and the Green Spider Flower (Grevillea mucronulata).

Grevillea Meaning

Grevillea Mythology

It is believed that Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among Aborigines for their sweet nectar which they used to mix with water to make a sweet drink and so they might be referred to as the original "bush lollies". However, some commonly cultivated Grevillea species produce flowers containing toxic cyanide and drinking nectar direct from the flower should be avoided.