Canberra Gem Grevillea Grevillea 'Canberra Gem'
ABOUT
The plant known as Grevillea 'Canberra Gem' boasts an evergreen demeanor with narrow, elongated leaves that exhibit a sharp, needle-like appearance. Their coloring is a rich green, which adds to the plant's dense and bushy nature. What truly sets this plant apart are its flowers; they present themselves in large, brush-like clusters that range in hue from a deep, rosy red to a soft pink. The flowers are known for their unique shape, which is somewhat akin to spider flowers, with long, curved stamens that reach out from the flower base. This striking flowering phenomenon is not just a visual spectacle but also serves as an attractant for a plethora of nectar-feeding birds, making the Grevillea 'Canberra Gem' a dynamic addition to gardens. The flowers typically bloom from late winter through to spring, bringing vivacity to gardens when many other plants are yet to awaken from dormancy. The foliage, though sharply pointed, is not particularly dense, allowing for a notably textured appearance throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Proteaceae
Synonyms
Canberra Gem Grevillea, Canberra Gem
Common names
Grevillea juniperina ssp. sulphurea, Grevillea juniperina var. sulphurea, Grevillea 'Canberra Gem'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Grevillea 'Canberra Gem' is not widely known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is generally not advisable to ingest any part of it. While there may not be commonly reported symptoms of poisoning, individuals with sensitive skin may experience dermatitis or skin irritation from handling the plant, due to the presence of proteolytic enzymes.
To pets
The Grevillea 'Canberra Gem' is similarly not widely known to be toxic to pets. There are no commonly documented symptoms of poisoning in pets resulting from ingestion of this plant. However, it's always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants as a precaution, and to consult with a veterinarian if any signs of illness appear after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Grevillea 'Canberra Gem' produces vibrant red flowers that can add color and visual interest to any garden setting.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly tolerant to drought conditions, making it suitable for regions with water scarcity.
- Wildlife Attractor: Its flowers are a nectar source for birds, especially honeyeaters, and beneficial pollinators including bees.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and care once established, which can be advantageous for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Evergreen Foliage: The plant's evergreen nature ensures that it provides year-round interest and color in the garden.
- Fast Growing: Canberra Gem can grow relatively quickly, allowing for rapid establishment and filling in of garden spaces.
- Versatile Landscaping: The shrub can be used for various landscaping needs, including hedges, screens, or as a striking standalone specimen.
- Disease and Pest Resilience: It has natural resistance to many common garden pests and diseases, thereby reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Tolerates Various Soils: This variety can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Suitable for Seaside Gardens: It can tolerate coastal conditions, including salt spray, which makes it ideal for seaside plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Sculpture: Canberra Gem, with its unique foliage and flowering habit, can be pruned and shaped to form living sculptures in a garden landscape.
- Privacy Screening: Its dense growing nature can be used to create natural privacy barriers in residential gardens or patios.
- Erosion Control: Due to its spreading root system, Canberra Gem can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil.
- Windbreaks: The robust nature of Canberra Gem makes it suitable for planting as a windbreak to protect more delicate plants or garden areas.
- Theme Gardens: It can be used as a part of native Australian theme gardens to represent the local flora.
- Thematic Photography: The plant's unique appearance, especially when in bloom, offers a special backdrop or subject for botanical photography.
- Education: Canberra Gem can be included in educational gardens or programs to teach about native Australian plants and their cultivation.
- Floral Arrangements: Although not a common use, the flowers and foliage can be used in dried floral arrangements for decoration.
- Sound Barrier: The dense foliage can help dampen noise when planted in large enough quantities, acting as a living sound barrier.
- Seasonal Interest: Canberra Gem provides seasonal interest with its year-round foliage and winter to spring blooming period, making it useful for gardens seeking to maintain attractiveness throughout the year.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Grevillea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Grevillea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Grevillea 'Canberra Gem' is known for its ability to withstand tough environmental conditions, symbolizing strength and the capacity to endure challenges.
- Protection: Its dense foliage and tough nature can represent a protective barrier, symbolizing safeguarding and security.
- Adaptability: As a plant that can adapt to various soils and climates, it symbolizes the ability to thrive in diverse situations and the flexibility to adjust to change.
- Attractiveness: With its vibrant flowers, it can symbolize attractiveness and magnetism, often attracting birds and beneficial insects to gardens.
- Beauty in Diversity: The variety of Grevillea species, including 'Canberra Gem,' showcases the beauty of biodiversity and symbolizes the value of diverse forms of beauty.
WaterThe Spider Flower or Grevillea 'Canberra Gem' should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural dry habitat conditions. Initially, after planting, water the shrub a couple of times a week to help establish roots. Once established, you can reduce watering to once a week during dry periods, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. During winter and cooler months, little to no supplemental watering is necessary. It's preferable to water with about 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the soil moisture levels, but always check the soil to gauge the necessity.
LightSpider Flower thrives under full sun exposure, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. The best spot for the plant would be in an open area, away from larger trees or structures that could cast shade on it. Dappled sunlight can work as well, but full sun is ideal for the most vigorous growth and best flowering.
TemperatureThe Spider Flower does best in temperate conditions and can handle a range from about 20°F during winter nights to 100°F in summer heat. It's important to avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F, as it may damage the plant. The ideal temperature for this Grevillea would be between 60°F and 75°F during its growing season.
PruningThe Spider Flower benefits from light pruning to maintain its shape and encourage vigorous growth. Pruning should be done after the main flowering period, usually in late spring or early summer. Remove any dead or damaged stems, and cut back about a third of the shrub to promote new growth. It's not necessary to prune every year; every two to three years is often enough unless the plant looks untidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGrevillea 'Canberra Gem' requires well-draining soil with low nutrient levels, ideally with an acid to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7. A mix containing equal parts of coarse sand, loamy garden soil, and peat or coconut coir can promote good drainage and aeration while maintaining slight acidity.
RepottingGrevillea 'Canberra Gem' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the roots have outgrown the current pot. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingGrevillea 'Canberra Gem' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity levels typically found indoors, provided it's not exposed to overly dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, shelter from harsh winds, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Grevillea 'Canberra Gem', commonly known as Canberra Gem, begins with seed germination, which requires exposure to heat or smoke to break dormancy. Once the seeds germinate, they develop into seedlings with characteristic needle-like leaves. As the plant grows, a woody stem forms, and it enters the vegetative stage, producing more foliage and increasing in size. After a few years, Canberra Gem reaches maturity and begins to flower, typically producing red and cream spider-like flowers that are rich in nectar and attract birds and bees. Following pollination, the plant produces fruit in the form of woody capsules containing seeds, which will eventually be released to start a new generation. Throughout its life, which can be several decades, Canberra Gem may undergo pruning and shaping to manage its size and promote more vigorous growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Grevillea 'Canberra Gem' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. These are ideally taken in late summer to early fall when the plant's growth begins to slow and the wood is semi-ripe. To do this, cut a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length of stem that includes at least one leaf node. The lower leaves should be removed and the base of the cutting can be dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance root development. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide indirect light and maintain a temperate environment to encourage rooting, which may take several weeks. Once roots establish, the cuttings can be transferred to a more permanent location.
