A prickly-leaved rounded shrub smothered in red and cream spider flowers through winter and spring. A dense, bird-friendly habitat and screening plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Scarlet Sprite Grevillea
Botanically, Grevillea 'Scarlet Sprite' is a shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red and cream green flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Scarlet Sprite Grevillea
Scarlet Sprite Grevillea suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is suitable for bushfire-prone (BAL) gardens.
Soil & planting
Scarlet Sprite Grevillea does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Scarlet Sprite Grevillea is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Scarlet Sprite Grevillea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Scarlet Sprite Grevillea in the garden
Scarlet Sprite Grevillea earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a fast screen or informal hedge and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Scarlet Sprite Grevillea with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Scarlet Sprite Grevillea
Plant Sale lists Scarlet Sprite Grevillea as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.