Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

16 other cultivars

shrub

Scarlet Sprite Grevillea

Grevillea x hybrida 'Scarlet Sprite'

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea is a diverse genus of evergreen shrubs and trees native to Australia, characterized by their unique, petal-less flowers that rely on colorful styles and calyces to attract pollinators. Many species feature deeply lobed or needle-like foliage adapted to dry climates and nutrient-poor soils.

'Scarlet Sprite' is a compact, mounding cultivar that produces dense clusters of rose-pink and scarlet-red spider-like flowers from winter through spring. Its soft-textured, needle-like green foliage resembles rosemary, forming a tight, rounded shape that requires little space.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round fine-textured green foliage and unique scarlet-red flowers during winter and spring.

Offers high drought tolerance and performs exceptionally well in coastal environments with salty winds.

Attracts nectar-feeding birds, bees, and butterflies, providing valuable winter forage when other plants are dormant.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sharp, fast-draining sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water thoroughly upon planting, then reduce frequency to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the main stem to prevent rot.
Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain a dense, compact form.

Pro Tip

Never apply standard garden fertilizers containing phosphorus, as members of the Proteaceae family have specialized root systems that easily succumb to phosphorus toxicity.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable, gritty soil to ensure rapid drainage.
Prune immediately after the main spring flowering flush.
Use physical barriers to protect young plants from browsing deer and rabbits.

Don't

Do not use general-purpose fertilizers containing phosphorus.
Do not overwater or allow the soil to remain waterlogged.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless woody stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensCoastal gardensLow-water bordersSlopes and banks

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana Ceanothus Arctostaphylos densiflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scarlet Sprite Grevillea questions

What zones can Scarlet Sprite Grevillea grow in?

Scarlet Sprite Grevillea is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Scarlet Sprite Grevillea deer resistant?

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

When does Scarlet Sprite Grevillea bloom?

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

Does Scarlet Sprite Grevillea need full sun?

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

Is Scarlet Sprite Grevillea drought tolerant?

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