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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Scarlet Sprite Grevillea handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
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. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
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 easier irrigation and care, group Scarlet Sprite Grevillea with species that also favour very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. 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. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
