shrub

Spider Flower

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a diverse genus of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees in the Proteaceae family, highly adapted to nutrient-poor soils. The distinctive blooms consist of a tubular perianth that splits open to release a long, curving style, forming clustered inflorescences that attract nectar-feeding birds.

'Fireworks' is a compact, mound-shaped hybrid cultivar growing to just over one metre tall, featuring soft, needle-like blue-green foliage. It produces clusters of bright red and yellow spider-like flowers at the branch terminals from autumn through to late spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with soft blue-green foliage and vibrant red and yellow spider-like flowers from autumn to spring.

Functions as an excellent low-maintenance, drought-tolerant low hedge or container plant for coastal and water-wise gardens.

Attracts and feeds nectar-eating native birds, butterflies, and bees during the cooler months when other food sources are scarce.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

47 inches

Width

47 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Medium

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia (Horticultural Origin)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Autumn – Late spring

In flower about 8 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with excellent drainage, such as a raised garden bed or sandy loam slope.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firm down gently to remove air pockets, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a coarse, organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Apply only low-phosphorus native fertilisers, as standard formulations trigger severe phosphorus toxicity; never prune back into old, leafless wood where dormant buds are absent.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly until established, then reduce watering to dry spells only.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring and summer.
Wear protective gloves when handling the foliage to prevent skin irritation.
Tip-prune regularly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.

Don't

Never use standard general-purpose fertilisers containing high levels of phosphorus.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils where water pools.
Never prune heavily back into old, hard, leafless wood.
Do not overwater once the root system is established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low HedgeRockery PlantContainer SpecimenCoastal Garden Border

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Correa reflexa Westringia fruticosa Crowea exalata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spider Flower questions

What zones can Spider Flower grow in?

Spider Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Spider Flower bloom?

Spider Flower typically blooms in autumn through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Spider Flower need full sun?

Spider Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Spider Flower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Spider Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.