Grevillea rosmarinifolia (Rosemary Grevillea)


Botanical Information

FamilyProteaceae
GenusGrevillea
Speciesrosmarinifolia
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginNative to New South Wales and Victoria, Australia.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9 - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)5 - 10
Temperature (°F)20 - 45
Height2 m
Spread3 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionIn order to survive in poor soils Grevillea have evolved with proteoid roots. These roots which develop each season, grow into the top levels of the soil to extract nutrients.
ShapeRounded, 2 m in length and 3 m wide.
PropagationSeed and semi-hardwood cuttings.
CultivationFull sun to partial-shade, well-drained, acid to neutral soils. Use fertilizers low in phosphorous.
Notable SpecimensTrebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatWoodlands, grasslands and rocky slopes.
Bark/Stem DescriptionMature bark takes on plate-like scales.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionLeaf buds are rounded and 1 - 2 mm in size. Scales are smooth and divided into clusters of 3.
Leaf DescriptionArranged alternate, opposite or whorled, are compound, dissected, lobed or pinnately toothed. Leaf margins are entire are 25 - 33 mm in size. Leaves are oblong and needle-like, and have silky hairs near the base.
Flower DescriptionIrregular pairs along the branches in clusters. The petals are glabrous on the outside and bearded on the inside. The flowers are tube shaped and curve down and are partially split apart near the end.
Fruit DescriptionDrupe with two winged seeds. The seed is boat-shaped, 15 - 25 mm in size, and when fully mature split open to release seeds.
Colour DescriptionThe bark is light greyish-brown when young and more grey in appearance as it matures. The buds are a greyish-silver. The flowers are a fuchsia pink colour. The fruit is light green and becomes brown as it matures. The stock is an olive green colour. The leaves are a greyish-green colour.
Texture DescriptionYoung bark is smooth and becomes rough as it matures. The leaves are smooth in texture. The fruit have a hairy texture.

Photographs