Silky Oak: Nectar for the Gods

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Silky Oak: Grevillea robusta

Here’s a semi-deciduous grevillea, that can grow into a big tree. Flowering at the same time as Jacarandas and just as spectacular.
When you see one, you don't think the Silky Oak as being a large tree. But here it is.

A bit messy, semi-deciduous, losing a lot of leaves from time to time.
Grevilleas like this one are nectar rich, loved by the lorikeets.

Apart from that drawback, the leaves are attractive with the added bonus is that the flowers are attractive to birds that come from all around the district to have a feast on the nectar of the flowers.
So let’s find out more.
I'm talking with Adrian O”Malley, horticulturist and native plant expert.

The silky oak flowers at the same time as Brachychiton querquifolia and Jacaranda mimosifolia, and there are some large gardens that have those big three. Very impressive to look at. 

• Brachychiton has the striking red flowers, contrasting with the purple of the Jacaranda and the golden yellow of the silky oak. 

So much nectar that on hot days, the nectar ferments, so the birds become intoxicated when sipping on the nectar, and become quite territorial.

When growing in pots, they take on the classical conifer type shape.

Remember Adrian's maxim, "spend a penny on the pot and a pound on the soil."

The timber has a marbling dotty effect and is quite rot resistant should you come across this scarce resource.

The timber used to be used for frames around windows.
If you have any questions either for me or for Adrian, why not write in to realworldgardener@gmail.com