shrub

Red Spider Flower

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea speciosa, the red spider flower, is an erect, bushy evergreen shrub native to the sandstone soils of the Central Coast of New South Wales. It features small, variable green leaves with recurved margins and hairy undersides, growing from branchlets covered in fine, silky hairs.

The distinctive dome-shaped, downturned flower clusters consist of bright red perianth segments and long, protruding curved styles that resemble spiders. Flowering peaks in winter and spring, though blossoms can appear sporadically throughout the year under favorable conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces unique, bright red spider-like flower clusters over a long period, set against fine, evergreen foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for water-wise landscaping and coastal exposures.

Provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding wildlife in mild climates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

79"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and exceptional, sharp drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the soil is acidic to neutral and sandy.
Gently place the plant in the hole to avoid disturbing the sensitive root system, backfill, and water in well.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the main flowering flush to maintain a compact shape; cutting back into old, leafless brown wood will prevent new growth from shooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide exceptional, sharp drainage to prevent root rot.
Use exclusively low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for native Australian plants.
Prune lightly right after the main flowering flush to encourage dense growth.

Don't

Never apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can be fatal.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Avoid pruning hard into old, leafless brown wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensCoastal gardensContainer specimensWildlife gardens

Companion Plants

Banksia Correa Anigozanthos Adenanthos

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Spider Flower questions

What zones can Red Spider Flower grow in?

Red 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 Red Spider Flower bloom?

Red Spider Flower 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 Red Spider Flower need full sun?

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

Is Red Spider Flower drought tolerant?

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