Also known as Spider Flower · 229 saves
Grevillea
Grevillea, the genus most gardeners know as spider flower. We track 42 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Grevillea varieties
See all 42 Grevillea varieties →Search this genus →
16 species of Grevillea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Grevillea in Sow
Save the Grevillea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Grevillea
Whats common across all Grevillea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Grevillea year
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Tip-prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy habit.
- FertilizeMarch, April and September98% of varieties
Apply a very light application of low-phosphorus, native-formulated fertilizer if growth is sluggish.
- Check for PestsJune–August98% of varieties
Inspect the dense interior foliage for spider mites and scale insects during hot, dry periods.
- MulchApril and October53% of varieties
Replenish coarse, open-textured mulch, keeping it away from the main stem.
- Winter PrepNovember and December40% of varieties
Protect container plants from hard frosts or move them indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F.
Do
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
- Use only specialized low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for native Australian plants.
- Use only specialized low-phosphorus or native-formulated fertilizers if feeding is necessary.
- Use only specialized low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for Australian native plants.
- Prune lightly after major flowering flushes to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Avoid
- Do not apply standard garden fertilizers containing high phosphorus levels.
- Do not overwater once the plant is established.
- Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood.
- Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged, poorly drained soil.
What goes wrong with Grevillea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the foliage and stippled, dusty-looking leaves during dry, dusty conditions. | Blast the foliage with a sharp stream of water in the morning, or apply insecticidal soap if the infestation is severe. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on tender new growth tips. | Prune away heavily infested tips or spray with a sharp blast of water. |
| Scale insects | Small, waxy bumps on stems and leaf undersides, often accompanied by sticky honeydew or black sooty mold. | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap during the crawler stage, ensuring thorough coverage of all wood. |
| Deer | Chewed foliage and broken branches on young plants. | Protect young shrubs with physical cages or apply scent-based repellents. |
| Powdery mildew | A white, powdery fungal coating on the leaves, typically occurring in stagnant, humid microclimates. | Prune surrounding vegetation to improve air circulation and ensure the plant is in full sun. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Sudden wilting, yellowing, and dieback of branches, often following heavy summer rains or overwatering. | There is no cure; prevent by planting exclusively in raised beds or highly permeable, gritty soils. |
| Root rot | Sudden wilting, yellowing foliage, and dieback of branches, caused by Phytophthora or Pythium in wet soils. | Ensure perfect drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove affected plants as chemical cures are ineffective. |
Making more Grevillea
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 3-inch semi-hardwood tip cuttings in late summer from firm, current-season growth.
- Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the base in liquid rooting hormone.
- Insert into a sterile, free-draining mix of perlite and peat moss.
- Place under mist or in a humid propagation dome with bottom heat until roots establish.
Seed
- Sow fresh seed in a well-draining, low-nutrient seed raising mix.
- Cover lightly with a thin layer of coarse sand or grit.
- Keep the medium moist but not wet in a warm, bright position.
- Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they develop their first true leaves.
Grevillea questions
How many types of Grevillea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 42 distinct Grevillea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 229 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Grevillea grow in?
Across its varieties, Grevillea covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Grevillea bloom?
Most Grevillea varieties bloom in autumn, year round, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Grevillea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.