shrub

Sea Spray Grevillea

Grevillea preissii 'Seaspray'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea preissii is an evergreen Australian shrub native to the coastal districts of Western Australia, where it thrives in sandy, wind-swept environments. The species features fine, needle-like foliage and produces distinctive, nectar-rich red flowers arranged in one-sided, brush-like clusters.

'Seaspray' is a dense, low-growing cultivar that forms a spreading groundcover reaching up to two feet tall and ten feet wide. Its soft, grey-green foliage provides a muted backdrop for the bright raspberry-red flowers that emerge from late fall through spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides excellent year-round texture with its soft, blue-grey foliage and vibrant raspberry-red winter flowers.

Functions as a highly effective, drought-tolerant groundcover for stabilizing sandy slopes and coastal banks.

Serves as a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies during the cooler months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to Low

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun and sharp, sandy or gravelly drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the soil line.
Water deeply to establish, then reduce frequency to allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Plant in exceptionally well-drained sandy soil and avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers, which easily trigger fatal root toxicity in Proteaceae species.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the main spring flowering to maintain a dense, mounded habit.
Use only specialized low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for Australian native plants.
Ensure maximum air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid climates.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils where roots will quickly rot.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as it lacks dormant buds to regenerate.
Do not apply standard all-purpose garden fertilizers containing high levels of phosphorus.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardensRock GardensGroundcoverBank StabilizationErosion Control

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Rosmarinus officinalis Agave attenuata Leucadendron

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sea Spray Grevillea questions

What zones can Sea Spray Grevillea grow in?

Sea Spray Grevillea 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.

Is Sea Spray Grevillea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Sea Spray Grevillea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Sea Spray Grevillea bloom?

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

Does Sea Spray Grevillea need full sun?

Sea Spray Grevillea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sea Spray Grevillea drought tolerant?

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