Description
Common names
Rosemary Grevillea, Rosemary-leaved Grevillea.
Scientific names
Grevillea rosmarinifolia, Grevillea glabella, Grevillea divaricata.
Family
Proteaceae.
Genus
Grevillea.
Name origin
Grevillea, after Charles Francis Greville (1749-1809), co-founder of London Horticultural Society. Rosmarinifolia, from genus Rosmarinus and Latin folium, leaf, referring to similarity to herb rosemary.
Rainfall
550mm+.
Growth rate
Moderate, fast.
Growth height
0.3-2m.
Presence in Australia
Noted in the areas Maragle; Tooma and Paddy"s River-Burra Valley. Possibly also in areas surrounding those noted.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA, WA.
Habitat
Woodland near streams and moist slopes. Also mallee and shrubland on plains and slopes, on sandy soil.
Habit
Compact to open shrub 30cm to 2m high. Narrow prickly leaves.
Site preference
Well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates frost and extended dry periods.
Characteristics
Apparently commonly hybridises with Woolly Grevillea (G. lanigera). Also hybridises with Crimson Grevillea (G. polybractea), Fan Grevillea (G. ramosissima) and Green Grevillea (G. jephcottii). Moderate growth rate. Lifespan up to several decades.
Flowering
Pink to red (sometimes with cream), mainly spring. Spider-like.
Seed collection
Early Dec - early Jan. Monitor closely as seeds shed soon after maturity. Follicles turn from green to brown at maturity. Ensure collection by securing nylon stockings or paper bags to fruiting branches after flowering. Usually only small portion of flowers set seed.
Propagation
From seed, or cuttings which strike readily. Take cuttings 5-7cm long from new growth with heels.
Shade and shelter
Excellent low-level cover in windbreaks.
Wildlife
Excellent habitat. Dense prickly foliage excellent refuge for small birds, including finches and wrens. Nectar-rich flowers attract native birds, moths, butterflies and other insects.
Ornamental
Attractive ornamental for screening, hedges, and under trees. Responds well to hard pruning and mulching.
Other
Flowers and leaves produce lemon-yellow dye with mordant alum, and flowers alone produce fawn-gold dye.