Also known as Spider Flower · 53 saves
Grevillea
Grevillea, the genus most gardeners know as spider flower. We track 31 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Grevillea varieties
See all 31 Grevillea varieties →Search this genus →
14 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 31 most-grown of them.
The Grevillea year
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Tip-prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a dense, compact habit.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a low-phosphorus native-formulated fertiliser sparingly, or omit entirely if soil is naturally low in nutrients.
- Check for PestsJune and July97% of varieties
Monitor for signs of Phytophthora dieback, such as sudden wilting or branch dieback, especially during warm, wet periods.
- MulchOctober and November58% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to protect the root system and retain soil moisture.
- PropagateJuly and August39% of varieties
Take semi-hardwood cuttings from firm current-season growth to strike in a free-draining propagation mix.
Do
- Use only specialised low-phosphorus native fertilisers if feeding is necessary.
- Prune lightly and regularly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
- Wear gloves when handling the foliage to avoid contact dermatitis.
- Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Use only low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for Australian native plants.
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
- Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
- Do not apply standard garden fertilisers containing high phosphorus levels.
- Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood.
What goes wrong with Grevillea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Borers | Stressed limbs showing small entrance holes in the wood surrounded by sawdust-like frass. | Prune out heavily infested branches below the damage point and apply targeted organic treatments like neem oil early. |
| Scale insects | Small brown bumps on stems, occasionally accompanied by sooty mould. | Prune affected stems or apply horticultural oil if infestation is severe. |
| Possums and cockatoos | Chewed or stripped flower buds and young shoots. | Protect vulnerable young plants with temporary netting or physical barriers. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small, soft-bodied green or black insects on tender new growth tips, causing leaf distortion. | Knock them off with a sharp spray of water or apply insecticidal soap to the affected tips. |
| Phytophthora dieback | Sudden wilting, yellowing of foliage, and rapid collapse of the entire plant due to root rot. | Ensure excellent soil drainage prior to planting and use certified disease-free nursery stock, as there is no cure once infected. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Yellowing foliage, wilting, and rapid plant collapse, especially in waterlogged soils. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply a systemic fungicide if detected early. |
| Phytophthora Dieback | Sudden wilting, yellowing foliage, branch dieback, and rapid plant collapse. | Ensure immaculate soil drainage, avoid summer irrigation, and apply phosphite preventatively in high-risk areas. |
Making more Grevillea
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 7-10 cm cuttings from firm, current-season growth in late spring or summer.
- Strip the leaves from the lower half of the stem and wound the base slightly.
- Dip the cut end in a native-compatible rooting hormone gel.
- Insert into a highly porous mix of perlite and peat, keeping warm and humid until roots establish.
Seed
- Collect fresh, mature seeds from the plant.
- Soak the seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours prior to sowing.
- Sow seeds in a coarse, well-drained propagation medium.
- Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged in a warm, sheltered position.
Grevillea questions
How many types of Grevillea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 31 distinct Grevillea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 53 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, spring, year round. 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.