Grevillea Hybrid 'Scarlet Moon'

Scarlet Moon Grevillea / Kings Park Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea hybrid 'Scarlet Moon'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

‘Scarlet Moon’ is a compact, bird-magnet grevillea ideal for South Australian gardens. It forms a neat mound of fine deep-green foliage and carries large, nectar-rich scarlet “toothbrush” blooms for months—perfect for low-maintenance borders, native hedging, feature planting and coastal/Mediterranean designs. (Use low-phosphorus native fertiliser.)

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.8–1.5 m H × 1.2–2.0 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, evergreen deep-green leaves; dense, compact habit; new growth bronze/copper in cool weather
• Flowers: Showy, nectar-rich toothbrush clusters in vivid scarlet to deep coral
• Seasonal Interest: Late autumn–spring peak, with spot flowers through the year in mild/coastal sites
• Wildlife Value: Strong honeyeater and native bee attraction; supports local biodiversity
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Shrub borders/hedges: 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: Well-drained 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; tip-prune after flowering to keep compact (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 acid to neutral preferred; avoid highly alkaline/limey soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy screening and boundary hedges with a refined finish
• Mass plant for a cohesive, bird-friendly, low-maintenance display
• Feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces; suitable for large pots with a free-draining native mix

Why You Will Love It

A proven low-water, high-flower performer that delivers months of bold scarlet colour, draws in honeyeaters, and stays neat with a quick trim—adding year-round structure and impact to SA gardens with minimal effort.