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A low growing, compact shrub to about 0.4 metres tall x 1.2 metres wide.
It is a cross between G. lanigera (a Victorian / NSW species) and G. lavandulacea (a South Australian species).
It has clustered linear/elliptic leaves to about 1 cm long x 0.3 cm wide, green-grey and covered in white hairs.
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 spider inflorescences, to about 3 cm long by about 3 cm wide. The inflorescences are deep pink and white. They are produced mainly in winter as the name suggests
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, red-pink with red-pink tips. The perianths are white and pink.
A very attractive shrub, only growing to 1 metre tall, it can be rounded and made very dense with light pruning. Useful in rockeries and in small garden beds. Can be used en masse in larger beds and as a low hedge. Grow in an open sunny to part-shade position. Reported to be hardy once established, additional watering will promote flowering. It does need good drainage and full sun to look its best.
Very showy flowers with their white and deep pink colouring.
It is a great foliage contrast plant and is still attractive even when not in flower.
Prune lightly to control and create density as well as to promote flowering. It tolerates light frosts. Good for attracting birds.
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.
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.
‘Winter Delight’ – named for the profuse flowering in winter.
Gardening with Angus – Grevillea ‘Winter Delight’ profile page https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/grevillea-winter-delight-grevillea/
Native Plant Project – Grevillea ‘Winter Delight’ profile page https://nativeplantproject.com.au/product/grevillea/
Plants Management Australia – Grevillea ‘Winter Delight’ profile page https://www.pma.com.au/Plant/Plant.cshtml?plant_id=982516101