Grevillea robusta, widely known as the silky oak, is a striking flowering tree celebrated for its vibrant golden-orange blooms and graceful, fern-like foliage. Native to the subtropical regions of eastern Australia, this fast-growing evergreen can reach heights of 60 to 100 feet and develops a tall, upright form with a broadly pyramidal canopy. Its leaves are deeply dissected and dark green on top with a silvery underside, creating a shimmering, bicolored effect that enhances its ornamental value. From late spring to early summer, the tree bursts into bloom with long, toothbrush-shaped inflorescences composed of numerous small, nectar-rich flowers that are highly attractive to birds, bees, and other pollinators. The vivid floral display often covers the upper branches in cascades of glowing orange, making Grevillea robusta a stunning focal point in landscapes and parks. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils and is tolerant of both drought and urban conditions once established. In addition to its beauty, it is often planted for shade, windbreaks, or erosion control in subtropical and tropical climates worldwide. As a flowering tree, Grevillea robusta is both ecologically beneficial to pollinators and visually spectacular, making it a prized addition to cultivated landscapes. In addition to its visual appeal, Grevillea robusta is valued for its lightweight, richly colored timber, which has been traditionally used in cabinetry, furniture, and musical instruments.
Growing Instructions
1. Soak the seed in water for several hours. 2. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 3. Put the seeds on the soil. 4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. 5. Water the seeds. 6. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade. The seeds begin to germinate in 4-6 weeks. 7. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
