My claim to fame

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RuthMcL
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My claim to fame

Post by RuthMcL »

I am prompted by the bad rap that grevilleas have received here to relate my experience over the last 13 years and to state my claim to fame: I have more bonsai grevilleas than anyone else in the whole world! This is also my challenge to you – show that you have more!
Sure, they can be tricky, some more so than others, but some of the conifers are tricky, too – it’s just that we have a longer history of use and we have learnt more about their peculiarities. Over the next few months I will share with you my experience of the grevilleas I have worked on, some successfully, some not – yet. For starters, here is the list of species/cultivars I have worked with and the year of purchase (all as small nursery stock) for each one; ‘(dec)’ indicates those that have died, generally, I think, from being too wet.
Grevillea rosmarinifolia ‘Scarlet Sprite’: 2003; 2010; 2012
G. juniperina ‘Pink Lady’ 2004
G curviloba 2009
G australis three forms: upright, spreading (dec), ‘Hollybank’ (dec) - all 2005; ‘Hollybank’ x 2 2016
G obtusifolia ‘Gingin Gem’ 2012; 2015
G. iaspicola 2013
G jephcottii 2013 (dec)
G rupicola ‘Jump N Jack’ 2012
G. juniperina ‘New Blood’ 2013
G. ‘Winparra Gem’ (purported G. thelemanniana and G. olivacea hybrid); 2002 (dec)
G. diminuta 2008 (dec); 2016
G. ‘Poorinda Jennifer Joy’ (possible hybrid between Grevillea speciose and Grevillea linearifolia) 2016
Grevillea victoriae 'Murray Valley Queen 2008 (dec)
G. lanigera ‘Honeyeater Heaven’ 2009
G ‘Amethyst (G. confertifolia x G. sericea) 2016
G. semperflorens ‘Mallee Dawn’ 2016
G. juniperina ‘John Evans’ 2016
The biggest limitation I have found is that grevilleas do not shoot back on bare wood, although they may do so sporadically on young wood. I have re-potted in autumn and spring with no problem. I now take pains to avoid keeping them too wet, as my usual combination of potting mix, automatic watering system and sense of panic when plants look dry have tended to do. It is essential to trim after flowering – sometimes as hard as I dare – to keep them in the desired shape. This year I have found the birds a problem – not just after the nectar but seem to be eating the flower buds as well. Since I reverted to using Thrive Fruit and Flowers for the grevilleas they have flowered better than when I used Powerfeed. Some are OK to wire and scars heal over OK – others do not heal so well and are very unforgiving of wire left on for too long. I always leave a stub now when cutting off a branch.
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Kevin
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by Kevin »

Hello Ruth,

Nice rosmarrinfolia.
Looking forward to viewing and reading more of your Grevilleas.
I love the Proteaceae family.

Thanks,
Kevin
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by FruitFly »

I've seen a couple of these in real life, gorgeous trees.
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by Boics »

This could be a late winner for thread of the year!
Looking forward to updates Ruth!
One of the fabulous things about growing bonsai is as you get old and decrepit your trees get old and beautiful
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by Beaumatsu2 »

I can't wait to read more. Thank you for the list of species/cultivars too. I'd love to start one of these!


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Lane
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by Lane »

Impressive, I don't think i'm alone in asking for more pics!
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by LLK »

WOW! I missed noticing many of your Grevilleas over the years, I'm ashamed to say. But last year you exhibited a number of great ones in a shohin display at the CBS Show; also, there are now more to be admired at the National Collection (NBPCA). After seeing them, I couldn't resist trying to grow and bonsai Grevilleas myself, and so far only 1 out of 5 has proved disappointing.
I am looking forward to reading about your experiences and getting your advice. I'll do my best..... but I'll never contest your Claim to Fame!

Lisa
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by Ryceman3 »

Thanks for posting Ruth. I have subscribed to this topic, if the initial pic you put up of your Grevillea is anything to go by this will be worth watching. :yes:
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by Sno »

Hi Ruth . Thanks . After your great demo at the Canberra show I have a Grevilea dimunata . Early days yet
Cheers Craig
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by melbrackstone »

Thanks for noting your claim to fame, Ruth. Very happy to see a list of your trees. Do you use a specific mix for your Grevilleas?
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Re: My claim to fame

Post by EdwardH »

Hi Ruth

Any updates on your Grevillea experiences?

Edward
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