Grevillea ‘Long John’

Though I have never met a Grevillea that I didn’t like, Grevillea ‘Long John’ makes my knees weak and my heart flutter.  I am simply lovesick for this plant.

A cross between two closely related Australian species, Grevillea longistyla and Grevillia johnstonii, this hybrid embodies the best of both. The thin wispy foliage grows upright on slender branches creating an airy, see through effect.  The vertical growth is likely an adaptation to drought. With very little surface area facing upward, the plant transpires less in the hot sun. The clusters of waxy, shrimp colored blooms are tantalizing to humans and hummingbirds alike, and when I walk by, I feel tempted to pop the shiny spirals into my mouth like candy.

Most horticulturists agree that the best time to prune Grevilleas is after they bloom. When is that?  ‘Long John’ never stops!  However, autumn does seem to be the time when bloom is most prolific, then slowing a bit in winter. Any pruning should be done after this winter lull, before the flush of new spring growth. Ten feet tall at maturity, this one is a fast grower, and like many members of the Protea Family, it makes an exotic and long lasting cut flower. So if you have to do a bit of trimming, bring these little jewels in to decorate your kitchen table.

Submitted by Staff Gardener Siena MacFarland.

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