The winter to spring flowering Correa pulchella may well be the best of all of the species of this wonderful group of plants. With many hybrids developed, horticulturalists have invested a lot of time into making many new varieties available for sale to the Australian gardener.
These are an excellent low growing plant for the garden border, native garden or rock garden. This is a plant that flowers from Autumn through to Winter with lovely long bell shaped flowers set against dark green foliage.
A number of varieties are available for sale including numerous cultivars. Flowering from autumn through to spring they add color to the garden over a long period.
Plant profile and growing conditions
Growing to about 1m, Correa pulchella forms a nice rounded mound, frost resistant, full sun to part shade and nice blue green foliage.
One of the most important factors in growing Correa pulchella is to avoid humid conditions. Good air flow and a well drained soil can alleviate many problems.
All species and cultivars are bird attracting will grow to around 40cm and do well in full sun to part shade. Excellent rockery plants, frost tolerant and reasonably drought tolerant once established. All varieties may be pruned to maintain shape. A slow release native plant fertilizer is best
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Correa pulchella
- Common Name – Native Fuchsia, Dusky Bells.
- Position – Full sun to semi shade.
- Soil – Well drained
- Height – Varying from near prostrate forms to around 1 metre.
- Spread – To 1m in good conditions, usually less.
- Flowers – Orange to Red
- Flowering Time – Winter through to Spring.
- Foliage – Deep green.
- Frost tolerant – Yes, light frosts are OK
- Drought tolerant – Yes
Varieties
C. pulchella ‘Pink Mist’ and Correa ‘Carmine Bells’ are two popular Correa cultivars of this low growing mound forming Australian Native plant.
Other varieties include:
- ‘Orange Glow’.
- ‘Autumn Blaze’
- ‘Dusky Bells’