Grevillea Thelemanniana 'Mini Marvel'

Mini Marvel Grevillea / Spider Net Grevillea / Hummingbird Bush / Spider Flower

Botanical Name: Grevillea thelemanniana 'Mini Marvel'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (WA coastal selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (prostrate/low mounding)

Overview

‘Mini Marvel’ is a tough, bird-magnet groundcover grevillea for SA gardens. It forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat of fine grey-green foliage smothered in nectar-rich scarlet-red “toothbrush” blooms for months. Ideal for banks, rockeries, verges and second-to-front line coastal sites (use low-phosphorus native fertiliser).

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.3–0.6 m H × 1–2 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, evergreen grey- to olive-green leaves; dense, low, spreading habit; new growth can bronze/copper in cool weather
• Flowers: Showy, nectar-rich scarlet to deep red “toothbrush” clusters (not notably fragrant)
• Seasonal Interest: Late autumn–spring peak, with spot flowers through the year in mild/coastal sites
• Wildlife Value: Attracts honeyeaters and native bees; provides low shelter for small fauna
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, coastal-tolerant (front/second line), light frost (protect from hard frost); clay-tolerant with sharp drainage
• Planting Density: Shrub borders/edges: 1 plant per metre (dense) or 1 per 1.5 m for a looser effect
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; sap/leaves may irritate sensitive skin—discourage chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best flowering in full sun)
• Soil: Free-draining sandy or loam soils; improved clay only with excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; low phosphorus
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; light tip-prune after flushes to keep tight (avoid cutting into old bare wood); feed lightly with native (low-P) fertiliser in early spring
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to mildly alkaline; tolerates limestone sands with sharp drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Mass plant for a low, weed-suppressing, bird-friendly carpet
• Soften retaining walls, rockeries and verges with cascading colour
• Pair with Westringia, Lomandra, Dianella for resilient coastal/native palettes

Why You Will Love It

A set-and-forget groundcover that brings months of vivid red bloom, constant bird activity and excellent weed suppression—perfect for high-impact, low-maintenance spaces in SA gardens.