Grevillea Preissii 'Seaspray'

Sea Spray Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea preissii 'Seaspray'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (WA coastal selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A true coastal specialist, ‘Seaspray’ forms a dense, low, spreading carpet of fine grey-green foliage smothered in nectar-rich bright red “toothbrush” flowers for months. Tough, water-wise and bird-magnetic, it’s ideal for banks, rockeries, verges and second-to-first line coastal sites in South Australia.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.3–0.6 m H × 1.5–3 m W (prostrate to low-mounding)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, evergreen grey- to olive-green leaves; dense, clip-responsive habit; new growth can bronze/copper in cool weather
• Flowers: Showy, nectar-rich red “toothbrush” clusters; long display
• Seasonal Interest: Late autumn–spring peak, with spot flowers outside peak in mild/coastal sites
• Wildlife Value: Strong draw for honeyeaters and native bees; provides low shelter for small fauna
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, coastal-tolerant (front-line capable); light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 1 plant per 2–3 m² (tight carpet). Edges/drifts: 1 per 1–2 m
• 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 sun)
• Soil: Free-draining sandy or sandy-loam soils; avoid waterlogging; use low-phosphorus native fertiliser
• 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 flowering to keep dense (avoid cutting into old bare wood); light native feed 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

• Low, weed-suppressing carpet for banks, verges and rockeries
• Spill over retaining walls and large pots for cascading colour
• Coastal/native palettes with Westringia, Lomandra, Dianella

Why You Will Love It

A set-and-forget coastal grevillea: water-wise, wind-hardy and in bloom for months, bringing honeyeaters and effortless colour while keeping maintenance to a minimum.