Overview
Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' is a popular Australian native shrub resulting from a chance hybridization between Grevillea bipinnatifida and Grevillea banksii. It's named after Robyn Gordon, daughter of renowned plant enthusiast David Gordon from Myall Park, Queensland.
Summary
Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' originated in David Gordon's garden through natural hybridization of nearby parent species. It's become one of Australia's most popular plant cultivars due to its attractive foliage, vibrant flowers, and robust nature. The shrub's year-round flowering, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability to various soil types and climates make it widely cultivated.
Key Features
Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' is a bushy, evergreen shrub with an upright, dense form. It grows to 1.5 to 2 metres in height and width. The plant boasts attractive foliage and vibrant red flowers that bloom almost year-round. It's known for its hardiness, drought tolerance, and ability to attract birds and insects to the garden.
Natural Habitat
While Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' is a hybrid cultivar, its parent species are native to Australia. Grevillea bipinnatifida originates from Western Australia, while Grevillea banksii is native to Queensland. The hybrid thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade conditions, adapting well to various Australian climate zones.
Growing Guide
Growing Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' is straightforward with the right conditions. This guide covers essential requirements, planting tips, and maintenance for optimal growth.
Requirements
Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. The shrub adapts to various climates and is hardy in zones 9-11. While drought-resistant once established, it needs deep watering during dry spells, especially in its first summer.
Planting Tips
Choose a location where the roots won't be disturbed, as Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' dislikes root disturbance. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot. Plant in spring or autumn to allow establishment before extreme weather. Space plants 1.5 to 2 metres apart to accommodate their mature size. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Maintenance
Prune Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed. Fertilise sparingly with a low-phosphorus, native plant fertiliser in spring. Monitor for pests such as scale insects and treat if necessary. Avoid overwatering, as the plant is drought-tolerant once established. Renew mulch annually to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
Uses & Benefits
Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' offers numerous benefits and uses in garden settings. This versatile shrub adapts well to various soil types and thrives in different garden designs.
Garden Design
Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' serves as a showy accent plant, adding year-round interest and colour to gardens. Its compact size, reaching approximately 1.5 metres high and wide, makes it ideal for small spaces. Use it as a focal point, in mixed borders, or as an informal hedge. Its drought tolerance suits waterwise gardens, requiring minimal irrigation once established.
Wildlife Benefits
This shrub attracts a variety of wildlife to your garden. Its nectar-rich flowers draw in native birds, particularly honeyeaters, as well as bees and butterflies. By planting Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon', you're creating a valuable food source for local fauna and supporting biodiversity in your area. It's an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Special Features
Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' boasts several special features. Its vibrant red toothbrush-like flowers bloom almost year-round, providing constant colour. The shrub is low-maintenance, requiring only occasional trimming and sparse fertilisation. It's also highly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-conscious gardeners. Its adaptability to various soil types adds to its versatility.
Problems & Solutions
Despite its hardy nature, Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' can face certain challenges. Understanding these issues and their solutions ensures your plant thrives year-round.
Common Issues
Insufficient light leads to sparse flowering and leggy growth. Poor soil drainage causes root rot, resulting in wilting and yellowing leaves. Fungal infections like Cercospora and Phyllosticta may affect foliage. Overwatering exacerbates these problems, particularly in heavy clay soils. Nutrient deficiencies manifest as leaf discolouration or stunted growth.
Care Tips
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Apply a low-phosphorus, native plant fertiliser sparingly in spring. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Mulch annually with organic material to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pests regularly, addressing infestations promptly with appropriate treatments.
Seasonal Notes
In spring, increase watering as growth resumes. Summer requires vigilant watering, especially for young plants. Autumn is ideal for planting and transplanting. Winter care involves reducing watering and protecting from frost in colder regions. Year-round, ensure adequate sunlight and good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Additional Information
Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' is a popular cultivar with unique characteristics. Here's some additional information to help you learn more about this plant and where to find it.
Varieties
While Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' is a specific cultivar, there are similar hybrids in the Grevillea family. These include 'Superb', 'Ned Kelly', and 'Peaches and Cream'. Each variety offers distinct flower colours and growth habits, ranging from compact shrubs to larger specimens. Consider these alternatives if you're looking for different shades or sizes.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' from various sources. Local nurseries specialising in native Australian plants often stock this cultivar. Online retailers and garden centres also offer this plant, typically as potted specimens or bare-root plants. Check availability during spring and autumn when nurseries usually have the best selection of Grevillea varieties.
Resources
For more information on Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon', consult the Australian Native Plants Society or the Royal Horticultural Society websites. These organisations provide detailed cultivation advice, care tips, and taxonomic information. Local botanical gardens often offer workshops on native plant care, including Grevillea species. Gardening books focusing on Australian natives are also valuable resources for in-depth knowledge.