Grevillea prostrata Aurea

Grevillea prostrata ‘Aurea’ is the yellow-flowered form of an Australian botanical species. This bush with moderate growth forms a superb ground cover in mild climates. Its dense vegetation consists of thin branches adorned with small narrow leaves of a beautiful light green that persist in winter. From March onwards, numerous clusters of sulphur-yellow flowers bloom for several months, sometimes even flowering again in summer. The inflorescences have a spider-like grace and their colour harmonises very well with that of the foliage. The bush grows in non-calcareous soil, low in phosphorus, well-drained and tolerates drought once well established, even tolerating some sea spray. However, it is sensitive to frost from -6°C and will therefore be best in coastal gardens, where it will gracefully carpet slopes and easily fit into a rockery or the foreground of a flower bed.

With around 250 species, the Grevillea genus is the most prolific within the Proteaceae family, which comprises nearly 80 species. It includes highly diversified forms, ranging from low-growing shrubs to 50-metre tall trees, with many genera popular among garden enthusiasts, such as Leucadendron. The Grevillea genus, named in honour of Charles Francis Greville (1749-1809), one of the founders of the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society, is mainly found in its natural state in Australia, with a few exceptions spread across Papua New Guinea, the Celebes and New Caledonia. 
Grevillea prostrata is a botanical species endemic to a small area in southwestern Australia, subject to a Mediterranean-type climate. In these conditions, it forms a low mat, not exceeding 10 cm in height and spreading about 1 m wide. The prostrate bush produces a relatively insignificant white and pale pink flowering. Grevillea prostrata 'Aurea' has a noticeably different appearance and proves more appealing from an ornamental point of view. Growing rapidly, it forms a spreading cushion rising to 40 cm, even 50 cm high, with a diameter of 1 m to 1.20 m 5 to 10 years after planting. Its habit is quite irregular, giving it a natural look that blends easily into a rockery. It forms numerous thin stems, greenish at their tips and browning as they turn woody. They are somewhat stiff, adorned with very narrow leaves, measuring 2-3 cm long and only a few millimetres wide, resembling those of rosemary or Westringia. This reduced leaf surface allows the plant to withstand drought well by limiting transpiration. Ending in points, the leaves are slightly prickly, but less so than those of Grevillea juniperina. From March onwards, the plant produces a typical flowering for the species in terms of flower design, tubular and with protruding pistils, giving them a truly aesthetic spider-like appearance. A distinctive feature of the variety is that the flowers take on a sulphur-yellow colour, unlike many other species that bloom in pink or red tones. The very ornamental flowering harmonises perfectly with the foliage and lasts until June, often flowering again in summer in mild climates. Moreover, the flowers are honey-producing, adding biodiversity interest to this decorative plant.

Well-suited to Mediterranean climates, Grevillea prostrata 'Aurea' will thrive in a rockery, where it will spread comfortably, or in an exotic-inspired flower bed. Plant alongside the stunning Coprosma 'Pacific Sunset', with its warm red hues contrasting with the light green of your Grevillea. In the background, place a Callistemon, the famous bottlebrush, with unmistakable brush-like flowers. A Lagerstroemia indica 'Black Solitaire Best Red' with its dark purple foliage and long-lasting bright red summer blooms will also be a good companion, and to create a strong foliage contrast, plant a Ceanothus impressus 'Cool Blue' alongside it. This Californian Lilac stands out with its dark green leaves variegated with cream, and in spring produces remarkable light blue panicles of flowers.