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Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’

(cultivar)

Family: Proteaceae

A compact shrub growing to 0.5 x 0.5 metres tall and wide.

It is reportedly a hybrid between G. leiophylla (a Qld/NSW species) and Grevillea humilis subsp. maritima (a NSW subspecies). It resembles a dwarf Grevillea sericea.

It has intact linear to narrowly-elliptic leaves to about 3 cm long to 0.6 cm wide, dark to mid-green with a pungent 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 mostly produce the inflorescences at the terminals, beyond the foliage, which differs to the closely related Hakea.

This cultivar produces the spider-inflorescences, about 3 x 3 cm, which are generally light to mid pink, with flowers produced all year round.

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 carpels are to 30 mm long, soft-pink with darker pink tips. The perianths are also light to deeper pink.

In the garden

A very compact grevillea which can be grown in pots or just used to fill small areas. It likes good drainage and can cope with a range of soils. Grow in light sun to full shade. Plant in clusters for a better effect on a well-draining gentle slope or in rockeries. It is hardy once established but provide water in really dry times. Prune only very lightly, after flowering. Good for attracting bees.

Propagation

Grevilleas are propagated by three principal methods; seed, cuttings and grafting. To maintain desirable characteristics of a particular plant, vegetative propagation (e.g. cuttings or grafting) must be used. This also applies to propagation of named cultivars.

Other information

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 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.

‘Pink Midget’– named for the colour of the inflorescences and dwarf form.

Gardening with Angus – Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’ profile page https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/grevillea-pink-midget-grevillea/

Native Grace – Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’ sales page                https://nativegrace.com.au/products/grevillea-pink-midget-140mm

By Dan Clarke