Grevillea Gaudichaudi

Prostrate Grevillea / Spider Flower / Fanfare Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea gaudichaudi
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia — New South Wales (Blue Mountains & Central Tablelands)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub/groundcover

Overview

Grevillea gaudichaudii is a standout prostrate grevillea for South Australian gardens. It forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat of fine, grey-green foliage and carries nectar-rich deep red/burgundy “toothbrush” flowers for months, peaking from late winter into spring. Ideal for low-maintenance banks, rockeries, verge plantings and to spill over walls; a magnet for honeyeaters and native bees.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.2–0.5 m H × 2–5 m W (low, spreading)
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, evergreen grey-green leaves; dense, mounding/groundcover habit; new growth bronze in cool weather
• Flowers: Nectar-rich toothbrush clusters in deep red to burgundy (dark styles); long-lasting displays
• Seasonal Interest: Peak late winter–spring, often continuing into early summer; occasional spot blooms after rain
• Wildlife Value: Attracts nectar-feeding birds & native bees; dense cover shelters small fauna
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light–moderate frost (protect when young); clay-tolerant (with drainage)
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 1 plant per 3–4 m² (tight carpet) • Edges/drifts: 1 per 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: Well-drained sandy or loam soils; tolerates limestone; 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; tip-prune after flowering to keep dense (avoid cutting into old bare wood); light native (low-P) feed 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 (≈ pH 5.5–7.0); tolerates mildly alkaline sandy/limestone soils with drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Living mulch for banks/erosion control and broad, low groundcover
• Spill over retaining walls and rockeries for cascading colour
• Combine with Lomandra, Dianella, Westringia and other water-wise natives

Why You Will Love It

A set-and-forget native that spreads quickly, shrugs off heat and wind, and delivers months of bird-luring burgundy blooms—all while keeping weeds down and maintenance low. Perfect for SA landscapes that need beauty and resilience.