Australian Cultivar Registration Authority

Description:
Photographer:

Description: Grevillea banksii 'Starfire', Taken: 11 January 2019, [HERBARIUM SPECIMEN] ACRA NO: Acc 241 Copyright : Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (CANBR) holds copyright
Photographer: Palmer, R.

Grevillea 'Starfire'

File Number

241

ACRA Field Book Number

-

Registration Date

18/10/1984

Application Received

01/03/1981

Family

Proteaceae

Cultivar Name

Grevillea 'Starfire'

Origin

Grevillea 'Starfire' is a presumed seedling of G. 'Honey Gem' which is said to be the result of a cross between G. pteridifolia and G. banksii. Cultivar first received by the Authority in March 1981. The applicant is Mr R Bailey, 26 Jenkinson Street, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068.

Characteristics

Grevillea 'Starfire' grows into a bushy shrub 2.5m tall and 1.5m wide. The foliage is dark green on the upper surface and the lower surface is covered in closely appressed silvery hairs which give a silvery appearance. The leaves are compound and are about 29cm long and 24cm wide. The midrib of each leaf is prominent, raised on the lower surface and a contrasting yellow green on the lower surface. The inflorescences are cylindrical racemes 15-16cm long and about 8cm across. Flowers are produced throughout the year but are most prolific from November to April. On opening the flowers are a coppery brown but this colour quickly changes to a bright red. The styles are a contrasting pink with yellow stigmas. Diagnosis: Grevillea 'Starfire' resembles both its parents. G. 'Honey Gem' has greyed yellow lobes with yellow styles, G. 'Starfire' has dark red lobes with pink styles, and G. 'Starflame' has red lobes with red styles.

Cultivation

Performs best in an open to semi-shaded situation in well-drained soils. Severe frosts (-3C and below) burns the softer new growth, but mild frosts are tolerated. It responds well to pruning, helping to keep a more compact shape.

Publication

Costin, R. & Costin, S. (1988), Tropical Grevillea Hybrids. Australian Plants 14(116): 342

Colour Coding

RHS Colour Chart 1966.styles: red group 50C.stigma: yellow group 9A.perianth: close to red group 53A.

Propagation

Cuttings from semi-firm new growth

Applicant Name

R Bailey

Uses

As part of a mass planting or mixed in a shrubbery, or as a spectacular feature plant. Attracts nectar feeding birds.

Availability

Specialist native plant nurseries

ANBG Accession Numbers

ACC241, CBG8111404/8102258; G. Butler 1093

NSL ID

-