Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’ is a popular hybrid known for its vibrant display and ability to attract local wildlife. This Australian native offers an attractive, low-maintenance option for various landscapes.
Identifying Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’
Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’ grows as a large evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching 3 to 6 meters (10-20 feet) high and spreading 2 to 5 meters (8-15 feet) wide. Its foliage consists of deeply divided, fern-like leaves that are dark green on top, with a silvery, hairy underside. New growth may show a bronze or golden tint, adding visual interest.
Its striking feature is a profusion of bright yellow, cylindrical, “toothbrush-like” racemes. These blooms measure about 12 cm long by 8 cm wide and appear throughout much of the year, particularly from autumn through spring. Nectar-rich, they attract birds, bees, and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity. Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’ originated as a spontaneous hybrid in the 1960s at Myall Park, Queensland, Australia, from a cross between Grevillea sessilis and Grevillea pteridifolia.
Ideal Planting Conditions
Establishing Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’ begins with selecting an appropriate site. This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. While it tolerates some partial shade, flowering may be less abundant. Well-draining soil is a fundamental requirement for healthy growth.
The plant adapts to various soil types, including sandy or loamy, and can manage in poorer soils. Heavy clay soils should be significantly amended to improve drainage, as Grevilleas are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged environments. As Australian natives, Grevilleas are sensitive to phosphorus; fertilizers containing this element should be avoided.
This species is suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, tolerating moderate frost down to about -3.8 °C (25 °F) and performing well in warm climates. When planting, dig a hole at least twice the root ball’s width, setting the plant at its original container depth. Backfill and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’ becomes drought-tolerant, but consistent watering is important during its initial 8 to 12 weeks to develop a robust root system. During prolonged dry spells or peak flowering periods, occasional deep watering can significantly benefit the plant’s health and bloom production. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot in overly saturated soil.
Regarding nutrients, Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’ has specific requirements due to its phosphorus sensitivity. Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer specifically formulated for native plants, ideally with a phosphorus ratio under 3%. This fertilizer can be applied in spring and summer, especially when flower buds begin to form or after pruning to support new growth.
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the plant’s shape and encouraging denser growth and more prolific flowering. Light tip pruning after flowering is recommended, but the plant can also tolerate more substantial pruning to rejuvenate older, leggy specimens.
Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’ exhibits good natural resistance to most common pests and diseases when grown in suitable conditions. Ensuring proper air circulation helps to prevent potential fungal issues.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
A lack of flowers on Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’ often traces to insufficient sunlight, as the plant requires full sun for abundant blooming. Improper pruning techniques, such as pruning too heavily before flowering or at the wrong time of year, can also reduce bloom production. Incorrect fertilization, particularly high-nitrogen or high-phosphorus fertilizers, can also inhibit flowering.
Yellowing leaves may signal phosphorus toxicity from inappropriate fertilizers, a common problem for Grevilleas. Overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot can also cause foliage discoloration. Stunted growth or a general decline in plant health indicates environmental stress, such as unsuitable soil conditions or extreme temperatures. While robust, Grevillea ‘Sandra Gordon’ can occasionally encounter borers, leaf miners, or cottony cushion scale, which may lead to sooty mold. Leaf spot fungus can appear, particularly in warm, humid conditions, and prolonged wet soil can result in dieback caused by the soil fungus Phytophthora.