The all time record breaking heat of June 2021 when Portland reached 108ºF, 112ºF, 116ºF on three consecutive days ended up eclipsing the old all time record by an amazing 9ºF- A heatwave that is considered to be one of the most extreme heatwaves ever recorded and the most severe ever to be centered north of the 45º latitude. Many plants were fried outright and the damage lasted for months. It also killed my large Grevillea miqueliana var. moroka- a true alpine shrub it had no adaptation to those extremes. Grevilleas bloom heavily on the interior of the shrub, though not very noticeable it drops a continuous pile of seeds at the crown. So I was not surprised when three seedlings popped up in the following autumn where the parent had perished.. We experienced a normal winter 17ºF and two of the seedlings survived. They have steadily grown and in 2024 they experienced 13ºF and 50 mph winds during a flash freeze in January. The small 2′ seedlings had a little leaf burn but survived. One of the seedling is an exact replica of its seed parent. The other has a conspicuously different very upright almost fastigiate habit . It also possesses much smaller nearly round leaves. Its a very different look for this species. The chains of pendant flowers emerge light red and change to orange and yellow as the flowers yawn open. They appear from Nov. – June in a massive display on the outside. The interior flowers are always present blooming and dropping seed. Based on its growth so far which has been vigorous it should be an upright shrub to 6′ tall and 3′ wide- estimate. Full sun in a protected warm location with average, un improved native soil. Do not add compost. Best on a slope where water never pools. Water 2 x per week the first season and let the soil dry between irrigation. Compact dense habit and smaller foliage makes the flowers more conspicuous. Loved by hummingbirds. Should have excellent adaptation to the Oregon coast and can be grown in sandy soils. In subsequent summers its best to give it a good soak once a month based on aridity. Pretty shrub. Protect with a cardboard box the first winter in the ground if arctic air , sub 20ºF threatens. Remove the box with the thaw.
Xera Plants Introduction
