Silkoak tree is native to the subtropical rainforest regions of eastern Australia. It produces airy, green, fern-like leaves with silvery undersides and masses of golden flowers that smother the tree in mid- to late spring. The tree partially defoliates as the curled flowers open up in obvious, showy clusters. Because of its beauty, the wood of this tree is harvested and used in the furniture-making industry.
In the right conditions silkoak tree is a fast grower and excels in full sun and average, well-drained soil. It is very adaptable to dry soil conditions. It can be planted as a shade tree in climates similar to its native habitat, or as a semi-hardy short hedge. Although more challenging, it may also be grown in pots, under glass in conservatory or greenhouse collections where space allows. It is weak-wooded and not a good choice for areas prone to tropical storms. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Grevillea
Species - Robusta
Common name - Silkoak Tree
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 8 - 12
Height - 50'-100' / 15.2m - 30.5m (60)
Spread - 15'-70' / 4.6m - 21.3m (35)
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral
Soil type - Loam, sand, well drained
Water requirements - Average Water, drought tolerant
Landscape uses - Shade Trees, Tropical
Germination rate - 80%
Bloom season - Spring, Late Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Dark Green, Silver / Yellow, Red, Orange, Light Yellow
Useful Info | |
Germination | 1. Soak in warm water for 48 hours. Change water daily, keep it warm all the time. 2. Cold/moist stratify for 30 days. Seed needs light to germinate. Germination is usually good. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, June/July in a frame. SOURCE: www.pfaf.org |