Grevillea Rosmarinifolia

[Webos]

Does anyone know much about this species as bonsai? How easily does this species adapt to bonsai culture?
What are its growth habits and how touchy is it when repotting?

I've seen a shrub with beautiful movement in a garden and it may be up for grabs. Wouldn't want to kill it if digging it were a futile exercise as far as survival goes.

Thanks

Adam

[Scott Roxburgh]

I've never tried one but a member of AusBonsai and the Canberra Bonsai Society (Ruth) has a number of really nice Grevillea(s) so maybe a PM to ask if she has any experience with them?

memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=454

[Webos]

Thanks a lot Scott, I'll send her a message.

Adam

[RuthMcL]

I have not worked on G rosmarinifolia but I have three G. Scarlet Sprite's which are a cultivar of G rosmarinifolia. I find them quite hardy in pot culture, however with limited ability to bud back on bare wood. Branches will die if cut back beyond green. Younger wood is ore responsive than older wood. Having found some grevilleas very intolerant of wiring scars (ie they fail to heal and the branch is likely to die over time) I have been testing a 'Sprite' and it seems quite tolerant - perhaps it has thicker bark and/or more capacity to heal. G. Australis (upright form) is also quite robust in pot culture and seems to have the same tolerance for wiring. I have one with (unintentional) scars growing out slowly but nicely.
Ruth

[Boics]

With reference to Koreshoff's Aus Natives book.

Pot in open mix.
Required acid conditions.
Deteriorate quickly if kept constantly moist.
Prefer sunny position.
Short cuttings with heels late summer/winter.
Sow seed in spring.

Finer folaiged rosmarinfolia are more suited to the upright styles.

You can also cut the leaves in half or so to make smaller more manageable leaves.

[Rory]

They are a pain to bonsai. I didn't pursue Grevillea after a few attempts. But good luck with your endeavours.

[EdwardH]

I hope that you are successful. I have killed 5 or more so I wont go back to them.

[raewynk]

Webos Adam,

How did the grevillea rosmarinifolia scarlet sprite go in the bonsai.

I have recently purchased a little one. Tossing whether to bonsai or just keep it for the birds.
Awesome little shrub.
Love it. Looks like a pine in the foliage. But doesn't sound as though one could treat it as the same as one.
Unforunately.

Could you post a picture if you are able please.

Regards Rae.