Golden Sparkle Grevillea

Golden Sparkle Grevillea (Grevillea speciosa 'Golden Sparkle') is a compact, loosely mounding native shrub about 2m tall and 2m wide. Its small, slender leaves are marked with gold, bronze-gold when young and silver underneath like an olive leaf, and masses of small coral-red cat's claw flowers cover the plant in winter and spring. It is a foliage plant that also feeds honeyeaters in the cooler months.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage that glints. Golden markings above and silver undersides give the plant a shimmer that changes with the wind and the light.
• Winter and spring flowers. Small coral-red flowers open in abundance in the cooler months, when colour is scarce.
• A favourite with small birds. The flower shape suits native honeyeaters and spinebills, so expect them to visit.
• Tough once established. It tolerates frost, wind and drought, and it performs well in humid conditions on the Queensland coast.
• A manageable size. At about 2m by 2m it suits an informal hedge or a mixed border.

Where it works best

Informal hedges. Plant 1m apart in a single row. The plants merge into a soft, flowering hedge of about 2m, with no need for clipping beyond a light tidy.

Mixed borders. Use it as a mid-height shrub among natives, where the silver-gold foliage lifts darker neighbours.

Wildlife gardens. Winter flowers are valuable to birds, so it draws them into the garden when other nectar is scarce.

Growing Golden Sparkle Grevillea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade both give good flowering. The species comes from sandy, moist woodland on the NSW Central Coast, and it grows well in humid gardens as well as cooler southern ones.

Soil. Free draining soil is a must. It likes sandy ground that stays lightly moist, so mulch to hold moisture while keeping water from pooling around the roots.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks until established. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser when buds form, with phosphorus under 3 per cent, since grevilleas are phosphorus-sensitive.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote flowers and a denser habit. A light trim of the tips is all it needs.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Golden Sparkle Grevillea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small young plant with the golden leaf marking already showing. It grows into a neat mound over the first two or three seasons. Availability of the tube depends on our grower, who does not always have it ready. A sold out tube is simply waiting for the next batch, and the notify button on the page sends you an email 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
• Bird-attracting plants
• Native plants with red flowers
• Grevillea care guide

Common questions

When does Golden Sparkle flower?

In winter and spring, in abundance. The golden, silver-backed foliage keeps the plant attractive for the rest of the year.

Will it grow in humid climates?

Yes. It performs well in humidity, including on the Queensland coast, provided the soil drains freely.

Can I use it as a hedge?

Yes, as a soft informal hedge. Plant 1m apart and trim lightly after flowering.