GREVILLEA preissii - Spider Net Grevillea

Grevillea preissii is an attractive small shrub that grows between 0.3 and 1 m high although prostrate forms do occur. Produces a profusion of bright red pendulous flowers occurs in large clusters between early winter and early spring.
Like most Grevilleas, the flowers attract honey-eating birds. Good variety for coastal gardens or sandy soil.

Endemic to Western Australia this species occurs near the coast between Greenhead and Bunbury.

Prefers well-drained soils in full sun, drought tolerant but is frost tender. Has proven adaptable to humid coastal areas of the east coast.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C.

Larger seeds of grevillea species can be carefully nicked with a sharp knife to expose the embryo slightly prior to sowing, this can assist with the uptake of moisture and can speed germination.

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended for this grevillea.

1. Soak seed overnight in warm water.
2. Sow seed on a porous seed raising mix and cover 3-4mm deep
3. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
4. The growing medium should be well-draining but should remain damp between watering. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out. 
5. Germination should occur in 21-60 days depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke:
Many members of the Proteaceae are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species.
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying it to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they have been discarded.