About Grevillea baueri R.Br.
Grevillea baueri is a low shrub that grows in a spreading to erect form, and typically reaches a height of 0.3–1.5 m (1 ft 0 in – 4 ft 11 in). It has simple leaves that range from oblong to egg-shaped, measuring 10–30 mm (0.39–1.18 in) long and 3–15 mm (0.12–0.59 in) wide. The edges of the leaves are turned down or rolled under, and the lower leaf surface is more or less hairless. Flowers grow in groups of 8 to 18, located near branch ends or in leaf axils, on a rachis 2–5 mm (0.079–0.197 in) long. The flowers are red to pink, with cream to yellow colouring near the tip, and have a red style. The pistil is usually 16–23 mm (0.63–0.91 in) long, and the ovary is covered in long hairs. Flowering occurs mainly in winter and spring, and the fruit is a hairy follicle 13–14 mm (0.51–0.55 in) long. For distribution and habitat, subspecies asperula grows in heath or open woodland from near Nerriga to near Nowra and the northern edge of the Budawang Range. Subspecies baueri occurs in woodland and heath between Camden, Picton, Mittagong and Bundanoon in the coastal ranges of south-eastern New South Wales. In horticulture, this species has attractive foliage and flowers, though mature flowers turn black which can reduce its overall visual appeal. It is frost hardy in Australia, and prefers a location with good drainage, in full sun or partial shade. Plants of this species are propagated from cuttings.
