Overview
Grevillea rosmarinifolia, commonly known as Rosemary Grevillea, is a flowering plant endemic to south-eastern continental Australia. This species belongs to the Proteaceae family and has gained popularity in cultivation due to its hardy nature and attractive flowers.
Summary
Formally described by Allan Cunningham in 1825, Grevillea rosmarinifolia was first discovered on the banks of the Coxs River. The type form, once thought extinct in its natural habitat, was rediscovered in 1969 at the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. This well-known species is valued for its resilience and ornamental qualities.
Key Features
Grevillea rosmarinifolia is an erect, compact to open shrub, reaching heights of 0.3-2 metres. Its leaves are linear to narrowly elliptic, measuring 8-38 mm long and 0.7-3 mm wide. The plant's distinctive foliage and flowers make it a standout addition to gardens, offering year-round interest and low-maintenance beauty.
Natural Habitat
Native to south-eastern Australia, Grevillea rosmarinifolia thrives in varied environments. It's adaptable to coastal and urban gardens, making it suitable for small spaces and water-wise landscaping. The species' resilience allows it to flourish in diverse soil types and climatic conditions within its natural range.
Growing Guide
Cultivating Grevillea rosmarinifolia is straightforward with the right conditions. This guide covers essential requirements, planting tips, and maintenance for successful growth.
Requirements
Grevillea rosmarinifolia thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade. It needs well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. This hardy plant adapts to temperate climates, withstanding frost, drought, and pollution. Young plants require regular watering, while established ones have low water needs. The shrub prefers sandy to light clay loam soil and copes well with inland, low-humidity environments.
Planting Tips
Choose an open, sunny position for your Grevillea rosmarinifolia, sheltered from strong winds. Ensure excellent soil drainage before planting. For container growing, place pots in maximum sunlight, moving them if necessary. Prepare the planting site by improving soil structure and drainage. Space plants adequately to allow for their mature size and ensure proper air circulation.
Maintenance
Grevillea rosmarinifolia is low-maintenance once established. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertiliser in spring. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the stem. Monitor for pests and diseases, though this species is generally resistant. During prolonged dry spells, provide occasional deep watering to support healthy growth.
Uses & Benefits
Grevillea rosmarinifolia, commonly known as Rosemary Spider Flower, offers numerous advantages in garden design and landscaping. Its versatile nature and attractive features make it a valuable addition to various garden settings.
Garden Design
Grevillea rosmarinifolia excels in garden design applications. It's ideal for screening and borders, forming informal hedges when trimmed. The plant's bushy habit and deep crimson flowers create visual interest, while its robust root system aids in erosion control. Its low water requirements make it suitable for inland regions and container growth.
Wildlife Benefits
This native shrub attracts a variety of wildlife to your garden. Its nectar-rich flowers draw in native birds, particularly honeyeaters, and insects such as bees and butterflies. The dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds, contributing to local biodiversity and creating a vibrant ecosystem in your garden.
Special Features
Grevillea rosmarinifolia boasts exceptional disease resistance, particularly against Phytophthora cinnamomi, a destructive soil-borne fungus. It's low-maintenance, thriving with minimal care once established. The plant's drought tolerance and ability to withstand various soil conditions make it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and challenging environments.
Problems & Solutions
Grevillea rosmarinifolia is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it can face some challenges. Here's a guide to common issues, care tips, and seasonal notes to help you maintain a healthy shrub.
Common Issues
Frost damage can occur in extremely cold temperatures below -15°C. Protect your plant with frost cloth during severe winter weather. Overwatering leads to root rot, so ensure well-drained soil. Skin irritation may result from handling the foliage, so wear gloves when pruning. Poor soil drainage or overly fertile soil can hinder growth, so maintain a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Care Tips
Plant in full sun or light shade with well-draining soil. Water young plants deeply but infrequently, reducing frequency for established shrubs. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Apply a low-phosphorus fertiliser in spring. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pests, though Grevillea rosmarinifolia is generally resistant to most issues.
Seasonal Notes
In spring, enjoy prolific blooms and apply fertiliser. Summer requires occasional deep watering during dry spells. Autumn is ideal for planting new shrubs. Winter may necessitate frost protection in colder regions. Year-round, maintain good air circulation by proper spacing and pruning. Adjust watering based on seasonal rainfall, reducing in wetter months to prevent waterlogging.
Additional Information
Grevillea rosmarinifolia offers various cultivars and resources for enthusiasts. Here's additional information to enhance your knowledge and guide your purchase decisions.
Varieties
Several Grevillea rosmarinifolia cultivars are available:
- 'Lutea': Features yellow flowers
- 'Nana': A compact, dwarf form
- 'Jenkinsii': Displays pink flowers
- 'Green Mist': Showcases green flowers
- 'Rosy Posy': Exhibits bright pink blooms
These varieties offer diverse flower colours and growth habits, allowing you to choose the best fit for your garden.
Where to Buy
Find Grevillea rosmarinifolia at:
- Local native plant nurseries
- Specialist Australian native plant suppliers
- Online gardening retailers
- Botanic garden plant sales
- Community plant swaps or garden clubs
Check availability seasonally, as stock may vary. Purchase from reputable sources to ensure healthy, true-to-type plants.
Resources
Expand your Grevillea rosmarinifolia knowledge with:
- Australian Native Plants Society website
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria's plant database
- State-specific native plant guides
- Horticultural society publications
- Local botanic garden educational programs
- Native plant enthusiast forums and social media groups
These resources provide detailed cultivation advice, identification tips, and conservation information.