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A shrub reaching 3 metres by 3 metres.
Grevillea ‘Bush Lemons’ is a spectacular hybrid that was developed by Changers Green Nursery, Gin Gin Queensland. The exact parentage is unknown. From its appearance, the parents would be Queensland species or hybrids.
The leaves are grey-green and deeply divided (pinnatisect) with linear segments.
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 cylindrical racemes, bright deep-yellow, carried throughout the year. Honeyeaters will flock to the nectar-rich blooms.
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 species, the carpels are to 4 cm long; yellow with yellow tips. Perianths also yellow.
Author’s notes:
Grevillea ‘Bush Lemon’ is a beautiful shrub. The foliage provides a contrast with the large flowers.
This is one of our “must have” plants. The photo was taken in a Sydney garden. In our cold climate garden we will be growing the plant in a sheltered situation preferably against a north-facing wall.
Regular pruning will encourage a tidy growth habit and encourage maximum flowering.
We are successfully growing a number of these Queensland hybrids, including ‘Honey Gem’ and ‘Robyn Gordon’, in sheltered positions.
In coastal and warmer areas, it grows fast and is hardy. Great screening plant and bird habitat.
Must be propagated from cuttings to maintain ‘true to type’ form.
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”.
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.
‘Bush Lemons’ – named for the stunning yellow colour of the inflorescences.
Gardening with Angus – Grevillea ‘Bush Lemons’ profile page https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/grevillea-bush-lemons-grevillea/
Windyridge Nursery – Grevillea ‘Bush Lemons’ profile page https://www.grevilleas.com.au/grev62.html