Firesprite Grevillea

Firesprite Grevillea (Grevillea longistyla x venusta 'Firesprite') is a fast, upright native shrub that reaches 3m to 5m tall yet stays only about 2m wide. Fine, feathery green foliage carries bright orange-red flowers over a long season, with the main flush in spring, and nectar-feeding birds find them quickly. Left unclipped it makes a tall, narrow screen, and clipped it makes a tidy hedge.

Why you'll love it

• Tall without being wide. At about 2m across it fits boundaries where a broad hedge will not, and it reaches screening height quickly.
• Flame-coloured flowers. Two-tone orange-red blooms with a distinctive outline stand out against the bright green leaves.
• Feeds the birds. Honeyeaters and other nectar feeders visit the flowers, so a hedge doubles as a wildlife corridor.
• Soft, feathery foliage. The fine leaves give a light, soft look that suits a boundary planting.
• Waterwise once settled. Once established it should need little extra watering, which suits low-water gardens.

Where it works best

Light screens and hedges. Plant 1m apart in a single row. At that spacing the shrubs knit together within a few seasons into a screen of 3m or more. Clip lightly after flowering to hold it lower and denser.

Wildlife gardens. Use it as the tall back layer behind lower grevilleas so nectar-feeding birds find flowers at several heights.

Narrow boundaries. The upright habit suits fence lines and side passages where a spreading shrub would push into the path.

Growing Firesprite Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It tolerates light frost and some dry spells, and it grows in both humid and dry climates from southern coastal gardens through to subtropical Queensland. In frost-prone inland gardens, choose a sheltered, sunny spot.

Soil. A moist but well drained soil suits it best. Avoid heavy clay that holds water around the roots. If clay is all you have, plant on a low mound and mulch over the top.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks while it establishes. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser when buds form. Grevilleas are sensitive to phosphorus, so choose a product with a phosphorus ratio under 3 per cent.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to build dense growth and encourage more flowers. A hedge can be clipped to a chosen height, though unclipped plants reach about 5m.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Firesprite Grevillea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small young plant that settles quickly once it is in warm soil. Growth is fast, with the strongest push in spring and summer. The tube is grown for us by our grower, who does not always have stock. It shows as sold out when there is none, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full grevillea range
• Hedging and screening plants
• Grevillea care guide: feeding and the phosphorus rule
• Bird-attracting native plants for Australian gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant Firesprite for a hedge?

About 1m apart in a single row. It is only about 2m wide when mature, so wider spacing leaves gaps for several seasons, while closer planting crowds the stems at the base.

Will it attract birds?

Yes. The nectar-rich flowers draw honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds, and the dense stems give them cover.

Does it need a special fertiliser?

Yes, a native one. Use a slow release native fertiliser with phosphorus under 3 per cent and avoid general garden fertilisers, which can damage grevilleas.