shrub

Pink Spider Flower

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea sericea, the pink spider flower, is an erect to open evergreen shrub native to the sandstone regions of New South Wales, reaching up to two metres in height. The narrow, leathery leaves feature a distinctive silky texture on their undersides, while the young growth emerges soft green and covered in fine hairs.

The pink to purplish-pink flowers are held in short, clustered spider-like inflorescences that stand clear of the foliage. Unlike many other grevilleas, this species is pollinated primarily by native bees and butterflies rather than nectar-feeding birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces pink spider-like flowers over a long period against fine, silky-textured foliage.

Provides a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub option for well-drained sandstone or sandy soils.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and generalist insect pollinators to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79 inches

Width

59 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New South Wales, Australia

Toxicity

Mild skin irritant

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and highly permeable, sandy or skeletal sandstone soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits slightly proud of the surrounding soil to prevent collar rot.
Backfill with the native soil without adding organic compost or general-purpose fertilisers, then water in deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of coarse, chunky mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent moisture build-up.

Pro Tip

Plant in skeletal, sandy soils with exceptional drainage, and restrict pruning strictly to the leafy green tips; cutting back into old, leafless wood will kill the branch as it lacks dormant buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy habit.
Use only specialised low-phosphorus native fertilisers if feeding is necessary.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained, waterlogged soils.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus garden fertilisers.
Do not prune hard into old, bare, 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

Heath gardensSclerophyll woodlandsRiparian plantings

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink Spider Flower questions

What zones can Pink Spider Flower grow in?

Pink 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 Pink Spider Flower bloom?

Pink 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 Pink Spider Flower need full sun?

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

Is Pink Spider Flower drought tolerant?

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