Grevillea hybrid 'Red Coral'

Red Coral Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea hybrid 'Red Coral'
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (hybrid cultivar)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

'Red Coral' is a vigorous hybrid grevillea producing striking coral-red spider-type flowers over a long season, making it one of the most free-flowering grevilleas available for SA gardens. Its fine, divided foliage provides a soft, feathery texture that complements the bold flower colour, and its excellent adaptability to a wide range of soils makes it a go-to choice for bird-friendly, low-maintenance gardens. Excellent as an informal hedge, screen or feature shrub.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.3-0.5 m H x 1.5-2.5 m W (prostrate)
• Growth Rate: Fast; 40–70 cm per year; spreading, dense and bushy with a naturally informal habit
• Foliage: Fine, divided (bipinnate) foliage; soft, feathery texture; mid-green above, paler below
• Flowers: Bright coral-red spider clusters; flowers prolifically autumn–spring with repeat flushes through summer; non-fragrant
• Seasonal Interest: Near year-round flowering; peak autumn–winter–spring
• Wildlife Value: Exceptional — outstanding bird and butterfly attractant; honeyeaters and lorikeets are constant visitors
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; frost hardy to moderate; heat-tolerant; wind-tolerant; coastal-tolerant (second-line); clay-tolerant if well-drained
• Planting Density: Informal screen: 1.5–2 m apart; mixed border: 1–1.5 m apart; specimen: 2.5–3 m clearance
• Pet Friendly: Grevilleas may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive pets and mild tummy upset if ingested; discourage chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun; tolerates light shade but flowers best in full sun
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam; avoid phosphorus-rich fertilisers and waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer; seldom in winter unless prolonged dry.
• Maintenance: Light prune after peak flowering to encourage density and manage size; avoid cutting into old bare wood; mulch in spring; use low-phosphorus native fertiliser only
• Lifespan: 15–25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA; excellent performer across Adelaide metro, coastal areas and Hills fringe
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Wildlife and bird-attracting gardens as a key mid-storey shrub
• Informal boundary screens alongside Lomandra and Westringia
• Colour contrast in native mixed borders — coral against silver and lime-green foliage
• Low-water xeriscape gardens requiring structure and seasonal colour

Why You Will Love It

Bold, birdy and nearly always in flower — 'Red Coral' earns its place in any SA garden with almost effortless performance, delivering vivid colour and constant wildlife activity across most of the year.