Care of the shrub Grevillea brachystachya or Short-spiked Grevillea |
The genus Grevillea, family Proteaceae, comprises 400-500 species of shrubs and trees native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Some species are: Grevillea brachystachya, Grevillea robusta, Grevillea johnsonii, Grevillea juniperina, Grevillea alpina, Grevillea rosmarinifolia, Grevillea sulphurea, Grevillea lanigera, Grevillea thyrsoides, Grevillea crithmifolia, Grevillea olivacea, Grevillea Golden Yu-Lo, Grevillea Clearview David. Common name: Short-spiked Grevillea. This species is native to Western Australia. They are wide-growing evergreen shrubs that can reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The leaves are linear and dark green. The attractive flowers are pink. They bloom from winter to spring. Short-spiked Grevillea is used in shrubby groups, in hedges and screens, on slopes, in rockeries, in Eucalyptus understory, and in pots for terraces and patios. Grevillea brachystachya grows in full sun or semi-shade exposure. It resists well the heat of the Mediterranean summer and frosts down to -8 ºC (17.6 ºF). It does not resist salinity; it's not recommended for coastal gardens. Short-spiked Grevillea prefers a slightly calcareous and well-drained soil; it can be grown in poor, sandy or rocky soils. Water moderately throughout the year waiting for the substrate to dry. The adult specimens resist prolonged drought. Grevillea brachystachya does not need fertilizers. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. Short-spiked Grevillea is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Grevillea brachystachya propagates by seeds sown in spring or autumn in the seedbed and by cuttings in summer. |
Images of the shrub Grevillea brachystachya or Short-spiked Grevillea |