Breeding and Development of New Hybrids in Grevillea R. Br. ex Knight

The genus Grevillea occurs predominantly in Australia, with some outliers in New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Indonesia. In total there are about 340 species in Australia ranging over most geographical and climatic zones. There is significant natural diversity in flower colour, inflorescence size and presentation, flowering season, and plant and leaf morphology. As a member of the Proteaceae, Grevillea have specialised root systems that allow them to efficiently utilise water and nutrients. The pollination system is protandrous with natural pollination effected by birds or insects. Grevillea is popular for garden use throughout Australia with increasing interest internationally. The Kings Park and Botanic Garden breeding program in Perth, Western Australia, aims to produce free flowering, compact, hardy cultivars for use in home gardens, flowering pots and public landscapes. Hybrid seed has been successfully produced between closely related species but rarely between wider relatives. Hybrid seed has been germinated both in vitro and in soil. Hybrid progeny have been successfully established and flowering has occurred between 9 and 24 months after seed germination. Initial evaluation of these hybrids has been made and several selections have been shortlisted for trialling by Kings Park's commercial partners.