#1) Grevillea petrophiloides 'Big Bird'

At Flowerland Nursery, I was drawn to this plants fine linear foliage and lime green color. After doing a little bit more digging online, I discovered that its flowers protrude high above the plant mass, on long leafless branches, terminating in bristley pink puffs. What a nice surprise! I also love that this plant is drought tolerant and attracts hummingbirds.

This plant would look great as a background plant, with plenty of room to grow full size (6-10' high and 5-8' wide). To compliment it's finer foliage, it would be well-paired with broad leaf plants, such as Leucadendrons, Leucospermums, Aloes and Agaves (see below). Behind it, a darker colored shrub or fence could set it off nicely. It can serve as a nice green backdrop to a drought tolerant landscape design or add whimsey to a children's garden.

However, it needs full sun, perfect drainage conditions, and hates hot, humid, tropical conditions (which isn't a problem in California).

Details:
Biological Name: Grevillea petrophiloides
Common Name: Pink Pokers
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Western Australia
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Drought tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained, alkaline, light to heavy
Flower Color: Pink
Flower Time: Winter-spring-summer
Height: 6-10' Variable
Width: 5-8'