Grevillea Bipinnatifida x Banksii 'Superb'

Grevillea 'Superb' / Super Spider Flower / Superb Toothbrush Plant

Botanical Name: Grevillea bipinnatifida x banksii 'Superb'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (hybrid of WA × QLD species)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

‘Superb’ is a compact, bird-magnet grevillea for South Australian gardens. It forms a neat mound of fine, deep-green foliage and carries large, nectar-rich toothbrush blooms for much of the year—giving reliable colour and constant pollinator activity. Ideal for low-maintenance borders, native hedging, feature planting and coastal/Mediterranean designs (use low-phosphorus native fertiliser).

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1-2 m H x 1.5-2 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, evergreen deep-green leaves; dense, compact habit; bronze to coppery new growth
• Flowers: Showy, nectar-rich toothbrush clusters in apricot-orange to coral-pink (often changing hue as they age)
• Seasonal Interest: Late winter–spring peak, with spot flowers through the year in mild sites
• Wildlife Value: Strong honeyeater draw; visited by native bees and other pollinators; supports local biodiversity
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost); clay-tolerant with excellent drainage
• 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 if chewed, but sap/leaves may irritate skin in sensitive pets/people—discourage chewing and wear gloves when pruning

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 very good 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: Acidic to neutral preferred; avoid highly alkaline/limey soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

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

Why You Will Love It

A proven low-water, high-flower performer that blooms for months, draws in honeyeaters and stays neat with a quick trim—delivering colour, wildlife and year-round structure to SA gardens with minimal effort.