Grevillea Poorinda Rondeau

Grevillea 'Poorinda Rondeau' is a delightful variety with a particularly low and compact habit. It forms a dense bushy shrub approximately 1 to 1.20 m (3 ft to 4 ft) in height and almost as wide at maturity. Its dark green thick needle-like foliage is evergreen. This cultivar with its bright red-pink flowering, blooms for long months, from February to June. Resistant to drought and diseases, 'Poorinda Rondeau' is less hardy than other Grevillea: it can withstand frosts down to -5°C (23°F) for short periods in well-drained soil. If the winter temperatures in your region pose a risk, you can still enjoy this charming shrub which is well-suited for container cultivation in a conservatory or on a sunny terrace.

Grevillea is a shrub from the Proteaceae family, native to the cooler regions of southeastern Australia. Many Grevillea species are pioneers in their natural environment: they tolerate fairly poor dry soils but do not appreciate the presence of limestone, and require full sun to flower. The Grevillea 'Poorinda Rondeau' was selected in the 1950s by the Australian naturalist and passionate Grevillea enthusiast, Leomin Hodge. 'Poorinda Rondeau' is the result of cross-breeding between G. lavandulacea and G. baueri. Growing rapidly, reaching its mature size in 3-4 years, this rounded shrub occupies an average of 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in all directions. It develops fine ascending branches, forming a dense and slightly bushy mass. Its small entire leaves do not exceed 1.5 to 3 cm (0.6 to 1.2 in) in length, velvety on the underside and dark green. The very decorative flower buds start forming at the end of autumn. The flowering truly "explodes" from the month of February and continues until May-June, without interruption. It can renew itself throughout the year in mild climates if the soil remains slightly moist in summer. The bright red raspberry-coloured flowers with cream undersides, are composed of petaloid styles coiled upon themselves and long curved stamens. They are grouped in upright spider-shaped clusters. The root system of this plant is very dense near the surface, which results in adaptation to nutrient-poor soils and summer drought.

Grevillea 'Poorinda Rondeau' is moderately hardy, tolerating down to -5°C (23°F) in well-drained soil once well-established. This shrub requires little maintenance and tolerates light pruning which will help it remain dense. It should be planted in light, well-draining, and slightly acidic soil. Particularly suited to Mediterranean climates, it can be used together with evergreen ceanothus for opaque and flowering hedges during a very long period. It will also look good when isolated on large slopes or at the back of dry garden beds, but always in an open position, in full sun. In an exotic or Mediterranean garden, it can be associated with proteas, Agave, Canary Island viper's bugloss, Euphorbia mellifera, Aloe aristata, Melianthus major, palm trees, as well as Callistemon and Leptospermum. Container cultivation allows for control over the substrate composition and for overwintering the shrub in a cold greenhouse or a very bright and minimally heated conservatory in very cold regions.