The Essential Guide To The Grevillea
Botanical Name: Grevillea
Common Name: Grevillea
General Knowledge: The Grevillea, a diverse genus ranging from shrubs to trees, is endemic to Australia, showcasing the continent's rich biodiversity with over 350 species. These native flowers are predominantly used in Australian landscapes for their appealing and intricate blossoms that attract a plethora of wildlife, including birds and bees, making them excellent plants for supporting local ecosystems. A fun fact about Grevilleas is that their nectar can be sipped directly from the flower or used to sweeten drinks, which is a traditional Indigenous Australian practice.
Colour Range: Ranges from cream, yellow, gold, to shades of red including orange-red, scarlet-red, and salmon-pink combined with cream.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Various forms are available almost throughout the year, with the primary season being from November to May.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Suitable for events primarily held from November to May.
Commercially grown in Australia: Yes
If Australian native: As native Australian plants, Grevilleas may have certain protections.
Buying Tips: Ideal purchase time is when 10% to 50% of the styles of the florets are emerging from the head. It's crucial to avoid any damaged, wilted, or diseased flowers.
Design Tips and Advice: Grevilleas function as transitional or line flowers. They are particularly suited for short-term displays and often find a place in arrangements with other wildflowers, especially in designs commemorating or expressing sympathy. For prolonged vase life, it's better to arrange them in fresh water rather than using floral foam.
Flower Maturity: It's best when 10% to 50% of the styles of the florets are visible outside the flower head.
Expected Vase Life: 3–7 days.
Typical Stem Length: Ranges mostly from 50–60 cm, but can extend up to 90 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: Contains between 3 to 6 stems.
Floral Preservatives: It's advisable to avoid fertilisers containing phosphorus as Grevilleas are members of the Proteaceae family.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Highly sensitive, but this can vary among specific species or varieties.
Temperature Requirements: For optimal freshness, cool storage at 2–4 °C is suggested, although prolonged storage is not advised due to potential reduced vase life.
Potential Problems: Without appropriate care or if bought when overly matured, the vase life of Grevillea flowers can be quite short. Also, some individuals might experience allergic reactions, including skin rashes and irritation, upon contact with Grevillea flowers and foliage.
Special Care for Tropical Species: Not specified.
Foliage Care: Several Grevillea foliage types, notably G. baileyana, are known for their long vase life. These have large lobed leaves with a characteristic silver-bronze underside. It's paramount to keep them hydrated as they can dehydrate rapidly.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Briefly store at 2–4 °C but avoid prolonged storage.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Recut the stems upon receipt and immerse them in clean water with an added biocide for optimal hydration. Regular hydration is essential.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Considering their high ethylene sensitivity, care should be taken to avoid exposure to ethylene sources to maintain their freshness.