Grevillea 'Sandra Gordon': Showy Large Yellow Blooms

Grevillea 'Sandra Gordon': A Burst of Summer Sunshine

Grevillea Sandra Gordon is a captivating hybrid prized for its vibrant blooms, attractive foliage, and adaptability to a variety of garden settings. This Australian native brings a touch of exotic beauty to landscapes in suitable climates, attracting pollinators and adding a unique textural element.  

A Symphony of Color and Form:

• Spectacular Flowers: Grevillea Sandra Gordon produces an abundance of showy, bright yellow flowers, typically blooming for most of the year except for a short period in summer. These nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for birds and other pollinators.  
• Attractive Foliage: The plant's fine, fern-like foliage emerges with a striking, shiny gold hue, gradually maturing to a grey-green. This provides year-round visual interest and serves as an elegant backdrop to the vibrant flowers.  

Botanical Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Grevillea 'Sandra Gordon'
• Common Names: Sandra Gordon Grevillea
• Growth Habit: Evergreen shrub or small tree, typically upright and bushy.  
• Foliage: Fine, fern-like, emerging golden and maturing to grey-green.
• Mature Size: Typically reaches 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) in height and 8-12 feet (2.4-3.6 meters) in spread, though size can be controlled with pruning.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11. This indicates it is best suited to warmer, frost-free climates.

Cultivation and Care:

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended.  
• Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial. Grevilleas are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Sandy or loamy soils are preferred. Avoid heavy clay soils unless amended extensively.  
• Water: Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Once established, Grevilleas are relatively drought-tolerant, but they benefit from occasional deep watering during dry periods, especially during flowering. Avoid overwatering.  
• Fertilizer: Grevilleas generally do not require heavy fertilization. A light feeding with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.  
• Temperature: Thrives in warm climates. Tolerates some heat but is not frost-tolerant.
• Pruning: Light pruning after flowering can help maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove spent flower heads to promote further blooming.

Landscape Use:

• Specimen Plant: Grevillea Sandra Gordon makes a stunning specimen plant, adding a touch of vibrant color and texture to any garden.
• Screening Plant: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for a natural screen or hedge.  
• Mixed Borders: It can be incorporated into mixed borders with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants that share similar soil requirements.
• Wildlife Garden: The nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators, making it a valuable addition to a wildlife garden.  

Wildlife Attraction:

• Pollinators: The abundant nectar attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds, such as honeyeaters and lorikeets.  

Pest and Disease Resistance:

• Generally resistant to most common pests and diseases when grown in appropriate conditions. Root rot can be a problem in poorly drained soils. Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal diseases.

Propagation:

• Grevilleas are typically propagated from seed or cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring or summer are generally more successful.

Incorporating Grevillea Sandra Gordon into Your Landscape:

• Planting Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Consider the mature size of the plant when selecting a planting site.
• Companion Plants: Plant Grevillea Sandra Gordon with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants that thrive in similar soil conditions, such as other Australian natives like Banksias, Callistemons, and Leptospermums.
• Soil Amendment: Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage. Adding pine bark or other acidic organic matter can also be beneficial.  

Relevant Keywords: Grevillea, Sandra Gordon, Australian native, evergreen shrub, yellow flowers, bird-attracting plant, drought-tolerant plant, pollinator-friendly plant, USDA zone 9, USDA zone 10, USDA zone 11, spring blooming shrub, autumn blooming shrub, winter blooming shrub, hedge plant, screening plant, wildlife garden.