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Grevillea ‘Apricot Glow’ is said to be a cultivar of G. olivacea, a native of Western Australia.
It is a tall shrub that will reach a height of 3 m, spreading to 3 or more metres wide.
Leaves are deep green, oval, to about 4 cm long and 1 cm wide; similar in appearance to those of the exotic olive.
A grevillea inflorescence is technically a cluster of paired flowers, termed a conflorescence with the overall structure forming a raceme-like appearance. Grevillea species exhibit 3 main inflorescence structures:
1. A cylindrical to ovoid raceme (with flowers emerging around a 360° radius)
2. A single-sided raceme (with flowers produced on only one side, resembling a tooth-brush)
3. A condensed or clustered raceme (usually as long as it is wide, with species referred to as the spider-flowers).
Grevillea mostly produce the inflorescences at the terminals, beyond the foliage, which differs to the closely related Hakea.
This cultivar has round-spider inflorescences, apricot/pink-orange in colour, appearing predominantly in late winter to early summer. Each inflorescence is pendulous, up to 8 cm wide by 4 cm long.
Individual flowers are composed of 1 carpel (female part) where the style and stigma protrude out; 4 stamens hidden away in the perianth; and the perianth (petals and sepals collectively) which connects to a pedicel. Proteaceae flowers do not have any discernible petals or sepals (having only one whorl) and so these are referred to as “tepals” of which there are 4. In this cultivar, the perianths are up to 2 cm long; pink-orange.
The carpels are up to 3 cm long, pink-orange in colour.
Grevillea ‘Apricot Glow’ is very responsive to pruning and may be hedged or trimmed to a size or shape suitable for many positions in the home garden.
When grown in the USA, hummingbirds take over the role of our honeyeaters.
The foliage provides a contrast with the attractive flowers.
Plant in full sun to part shade. It wil tolerate a range of soils as well as cooler climates.
Must be propagated from cuttings to retain “true to form” types.
Grevillea is a diverse genus of about 360 species of evergreen flowering plants native to rainforest and more open habitats in Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands east of the Wallace Line. NSW currently has about 85 species although with a lot of subspecies and some informal taxa recognised.
Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among First Nations Peoples for their sweet nectar. This could be shaken onto the hand to enjoy, or into a coolamon with a little water to make a sweet drink. They might be referred to as the original “bush lollies”.
Most Grevillea species will regenerate from seed after fire but can produce copping shoots.
Grevillea – was named in honour of Charles Francis Greville (1749-1809), an 18th-century patron of botany and co-founder of the Royal Horticultural Society. He was also a British antiquarian, collector and politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1774 to 1790.
‘Apricot Glow’ – named for the colour of the inflorescences.
Benara Nurseries – Grevillea ‘Apricot Glow’ profile page https://www.benaranurseries.com/grevillea-apricot-glow
Boyanup Botanical – Native Plant Specialists – Grevillea ‘Apricot Glow’ profile page https://boyanupbotanical.com.au/plant-of-the-monthgrevillea-apricot-glow/