Grevillea synapheae 'Picasso' (Catkin Grevillea) - A small spreading shrub that grows to 4 feet tall by 5 feet wide with leathery flat dark green leaves that are long and narrow near the base and broaden then shallowly divide into three apexes like a trident. The fragrant cream-white flowers, which can appear from late winter until mid-spring are in axillary or terminal long tight racemes. This species has a lignotuberous underground trunk.
Plant in a well-drained soil in full to part coastal sun and part day sun in hotter inland locations. Irrigate occasionally to infrequently. Hardy to moderate frosts and responds well to pruning but seems sensitive to heavy soils. A beautiful and unusual grevillea but one that needs excellent drainage, otherwise is prone to root rots.
Grevillea synapheae is endemic to sandy soils in Western Australia. The genus name Grevillea honors Charles Francis Greville (1749-1809), a patron of botany, a very close friend of Sir Joseph Banks, and president of the Royal Society of London. The specific epithet 'synapheae' is in reference to this plant's perceived similarity to the genus Synaphea, another Proteaceous genera from Western Australia. This form was selected for its attractive new red foliage and flowers by the University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum Koala Blooms Australian Plant Introduction Program and was released for sale in 2008 under the cultivar name 'Picasso'. Its problem with sensitivity to root pathogens led us to discontinue production of this plant in 2014.
The information about Grevillea synapheae 'Picasso' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |