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Grevillea 'Lemon Daze'

(cultivar)

Family: Proteaceae

Grevillea ‘Lemon Daze’ is a small shrub to 1 metre by 1 metre wide.

The parentage, for the accuracy of this profile, is uncertain. However, it is reported that a deliberate cross was undertaken, at Bywond Nursery by Peter Ollerenshaw, of G. ‘Gold Streak’ and another possibly unnamed Grevillea cultivar.

The narrow leaves are light to mid-green, to about 40 mm long and only 2 to 3 mm wide, with a sharp point.

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 produce the inflorescences mostly at the terminals, beyond the foliage, which differs to the closely related Hakea.

This cultivar is more of less one of the spider-flowers but merging into shortly ovoid racemes. These are pendulous flower-heads are a dazzling yellow and pink. The lengthy flowering period extends from autumn to spring.

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 flowers have bright yellow perianths with deep pink styles and yellow-greenish pollen presenters.

The characteristics of the follicle is unknown.

In the garden

A hardy shrub and very attractive. Best planted in a well-drained soil in full sun to part-shade.

Prune after flowering to encourage a denser plant. Creates nice habitat cover for small reptiles, birds and invetebrates.

This striking hybrid could be grown as a foreground plant in native garden beds. A low informal hedge could be created by using alternate plants of G. ‘Lemon Daze’ and G. ‘Fireworks’.

Honeyeaters visit the blooms.

Propagation

All cultivars must be propagated from cuttings to maintain ‘true to type’ forms.

Other information

Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among First Nations Peoples of Australia 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 is a diverse genus of about 365 species with about 357 occurring in Australia. Some species occur in New Caledonia, Indonesia and New Guinea. NSW currently has about 85 species although with a lot of subspecies and some informal taxa recognised.

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.

‘Lemon Daze’ – named for the colour of the inflorescences.

Gardening with Angus – Grevillea ‘Lemon Daze’ profile page https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/grevillea-lemon-daze/

Benara Nurseries – Grevillea ‘Lemon Daze’ sales page              https://www.benaranurseries.com/grevillea-lemon-daze

By Warren and Gloria Sheather. Editing and additional text by Dan Clarke.