Care of the shrub Grevillea juniperina or Juniper 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 juniperina, Grevillea johnsonii, Grevillea Golden Yu-Lo, Grevillea Clearview David, Grevillea brachystachya, Grevillea robusta, Grevillea alpina, Grevillea rosmarinifolia, Grevillea sulphurea, Grevillea lanigera, Grevillea thyrsoides, Grevillea crithmifolia, Grevillea olivacea. Common names: Juniper grevillea, Prickly spider-flower. This species is native to New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. They are spreading or erect shrubs that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height; they are very similar to Grevillea rosmarinifolia. The leaves are dark green (light green when they sprout) and similar to those of Juniperus. The curious spider-shaped flowers can be red, fuchsia, yellow or orange. They can bloom all year, especially in winter and spring. Juniper grevillea is used in pots and planters, in rockeries, as isolated specimens and to form screens and hedges (it resists the wind well). Grevillea juniperina needs direct sun exposure; in shade it flowers little. It resists occasional and light frosts. The soil can be a garden substrate with abundant coarse siliceous sand and peat. Transplant in spring if the pot has become too small. Water regularly, without ever flooding, in spring and summer so that the substrate does not dry out completely; Juniper grevillea resists several days of drought. In autumn and winter reduce watering. Prickly spider-flower does not need fertilizers. It's advisable not to prune and respect its natural appearance. Grevillea juniperina is a shrub resistant to pests but sensitive to excess moisture. Juniper grevillea propagates by cuttings but it's a complicated process; it's easier to do it by seeds sown in spring in the nursery. |
Images of the shrub Grevillea juniperina or Juniper grevillea |