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(Grevillea speciosa)
Red Spider Flower (Grevillea speciosa)
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Tim
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Tim
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Tim | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Tim | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-04-29T15:27:40-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Grevillea speciosa, commonly known as Red Spider Flower, is an evergreen shrub endemic to the sandstone soils of open forests and woodland areas in the Sydney region of New South Wales, Australia. It typically grows to a height and width of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters). The Red Spider Flower is notable for its striking red flowers, which resemble spider legs and bloom in winter and spring, providing a vibrant display when many other plants are dormant. The flowers are not only showy but also attract nectar-feeding birds, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.
In cultivation, Grevillea speciosa is appreciated for its drought tolerance and unique floral display, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, rockeries, and native plant gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires very low to low amounts of water once established, reflecting its adaptation to dry conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soils, particularly those that are sandy and low in nutrients. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser growth. There are no major disease problems, but it can be sensitive to phosphorus, so fertilizers formulated for native Australian plants are recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Grevillea speciosa is appreciated for its drought tolerance and unique floral display, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, rockeries, and native plant gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires very low to low amounts of water once established, reflecting its adaptation to dry conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soils, particularly those that are sandy and low in nutrients. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser growth. There are no major disease problems, but it can be sensitive to phosphorus, so fertilizers formulated for native Australian plants are recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Endemic to open forests and woodland areas on sandstone soils in the Sydney region of New South Wales, Australia
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Grevillea speciosa, Grevillea punicea, Lysanthe speciosa, Grevillea dubia, Grevillea punicea var. crassifolia, Embothrium minus, Embothrium sericeum var. major, Hakea speciosa, Lysanthe sericea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Grevillea speciosa (Knight) Mc Gill.