Grevillea
Common Names: Silk Oak, Spider Flower, Spiderman
Botanical names: Grevillea spp.
Availability: Year round
Vase life: 14 to 21 days
Storage temperatures: 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Some varieties are sensitive.
Description: Grevillea flowers are long and slender with colorful, protruding stamens. The flowers consist of clusters of small individual flowers arranged along a central stem. The foliage consists of slender, lobed leaves on woody stems.
Color: Flowers: Green, Orange, Pink, Red, White, and Yellow. Foliage: shades of green, gray, silver, and bronze.
Botanical facts: Grevillea is native to Australia. The genus was named after Charles Francis Greville, a patron of botany and a co-founder of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Design notes: Grevillea foliage, with its varied shapes, textures, and colors, can serve as an excellent filler in floral arrangements. The foliage adds volume, depth, and visual interest to bouquets and centerpieces, complementing other flowers and greenery. Grevillea flowers, with their vibrant colors and distinctive shapes, can be used as focal points or accents in floral arrangements.
Purchasing hints: Select stems with about 20% of the florets open. Avoid blossoms which have leaves that are turning black.
Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the waterline. Cut or break stem ends. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: Designers should use caution when handling Grevillea. It has been shown to cause allergic reactions and dermatitis related problems with some individuals.