Overview
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is a native Australian plant known for its striking foliage and beautiful flowers. This plant has become popular for gardeners due to its unique appearance, hardiness, and easy maintenance.
Origin
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is a hybrid plant between two Grevillea species, Grevillea bipinnatifida and Grevillea banksii. This hybrid plant was created by the Australian nursery "Austraflora" in the late 1980s.
Common Names
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is also known as "Old Gold Grevillea".
Appearance
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is an evergreen plant that grows up to 2 meters tall and 2 meters wide. The plant has a dense and bushy habit with soft, finely divided, and silvery-green leaves that resemble fern fronds. The foliage has hints of golden-yellow, especially in new growth, hence the name "Old Gold".
The plant also produces large clusters of apricot-orange flowers from winter to mid-summer. The flowers are a nectar-rich food source for birds and insects.
Uses
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is a popular garden plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant is also suitable for screening and as a feature plant in the garden. The flowers attract birds and insects, making it the perfect choice for a wildlife garden. Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' can also be grown in containers or pots on balconies or patios. Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' prefers well-draining soil and full sun to part shade conditions.
Growth Conditions for Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold'
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for growing in Australian gardens. It is a sun-loving plant that requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and flower properly.
Light Requirements
The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is important to ensure that the plant receives enough sunlight as inadequate light can lead to poor growth and delayed flowering. The plant can also grow well in coastal locations with salty winds.
Temperature Requirements
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is a hardy plant that can tolerate both high and low temperatures. However, the plant grows best in a warm environment where temperatures range between 20°C - 30°C during the day and 10°C - 20°C at night. Temperatures below 5°C can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil must be rich in nutrients and organic matter. The addition of compost or well-rotted manure can help improve soil quality. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging and hence, the soil must be well-drained.
The plant can also grow in rocky or sandy soil, provided it is not too dry or nutrient deficient. Regular watering is crucial to keep the soil moist and maintain the plant's overall health.
Cultivation Methods
The Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' plant is best grown in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be planted in garden beds or as a container plant. The ideal pH range for the soil is from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types, but it must be protected from frost.
Watering Needs
It is essential to water the Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' plant regularly, especially during the first growing season after planting. After that, it can tolerate some degree of drought. The amount of water the plant needs will depend on the moisture content of the soil, humidity levels, and prevailing weather conditions. In general, the soil should be moist but not water-logged, and the plant should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilization
The Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' plant should be fertilized once every few months during the growing season, using a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. Overfertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth, which can make the plant more susceptible to disease. It is also advisable to incorporate some compost or other organic matter into the soil to improve its structure and fertility.
Pruning
The Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' plant responds well to pruning, which should be carried out after the plant has finished flowering. Pruning helps to promote bushier growth, improve flowering, and maintain a good overall shape. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed whenever they are noticed, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. It is best to use sharp pruning shears and to sterilize them before and after the cut to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold'
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is a popular plant among gardeners, known for its beautiful yellow-gold flowers that bloom from autumn to spring. There are different propagation methods for this plant, including:
1. Seed Propagation
Seeds are the easiest and most common way to propagate Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold'. Collect seeds from the plant's dried fruit, which usually appears from spring to summer. Sow them in well-draining soil mix, and keep them moist until germination. It usually takes 2-6 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once they grow their first true leaves, you can transplant them to individual pots or directly into the ground.
2. Cutting Propagation
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' can also be propagated through cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from the plant's new growth, preferably in spring or early summer. Make sure the cuttings have at least 3-4 leaf nodes, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, shaded location until it roots, which may take up to 8 weeks. Transplant the cutting to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
3. Grafting Propagation
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' can also be propagated through grafting. This method involves uniting the plant's desirable traits with a rootstock that provides strong root growth. Grafting is a more complicated propagation method, and is usually done by experienced gardeners or professional growers.
Overall, Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is a rewarding plant to propagate, and its propagation methods are not overly difficult or complicated.
Disease and Pest Management for Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold'
Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is a hardy shrub that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, it may still be susceptible to some common problems, which can be managed effectively with appropriate approaches to disease and pest management.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is root rot, caused by Phytophthora fungus. This disease can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and ensuring proper drainage. If the plant is already infected, removing any affected roots and avoiding watering until the soil dries out can help manage the disease.
Another disease that may affect the plant is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungal infection. To manage this disease, remove any affected leaves and avoid overhead watering, as the moisture on leaves can promote fungal growth. Applying a fungicide may also be necessary in severe cases.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that may affect Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' is the two-spotted mite, which sucks sap from the leaves and causes them to dry out and turn brown. To manage this pest, apply a miticide regularly and avoid overhead watering, as the moisture promotes pest growth.
The sap-sucking psyllid may also infest the plant, causing distorted leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, spraying the plant with a horticultural oil or soapy water can help control the infestation.
Lastly, the caterpillars of various lepidopteran insects, such as the blue or yellow butterfly, may feed on the foliage of Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold'. Handpicking the caterpillars or applying a biological control agent, such as the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, can help manage the pest.
Regular inspection of the plant for signs of diseases and pests, coupled with prompt and appropriate management, can help keep Grevillea 'Austraflora Old Gold' healthy and thriving.
