Correa Plants
With some being excellent garden plants Correa are a widespread genus with species found over South Eastern Australia and across Southern Australia to Western Australia. With about 20 different species the best known may well be the hybrid species that appear in nurseries today.
Being frost hardy, these wonderful plants are sold all over the world including the UK and USA.
Most species are low growing shrubs, however the interesting Correa lawrenceana is very variable in height and can grow to form a small tree.
Correa ‘Dusky Bells’,
These hybrids are a more compact form. Correa are sometimes referred to as ‘Native Fuchsia’ a name it shares with epacris longiflora.
Although generally drought tolerant, hybrid species do best in a moist humus rich well drained soil. Partial shade is best, but plant in a position where the flowers can be seen during May through to september.
Correa are great for attracting birds.
Correa reflexa and pulchella are two of the more popular species. Correa ‘Dusky Bells’ is well known. Some of the low growing Correa species such as Correa decumbens make excellent ground cover plants. Correa reflexa prostrate also works well as taller growing ground cover plant.
Care
An Australian Native, generally low growing small to medium shrub to around 1m and are easily grown in the home garden they can make an excellent landscaping plant.
A sunny position and a well drained soil are essential for good growth. Water well when planting, but once they are established most species are reasonably drought tolerant.
Pruning
All species can be lightly pruned in spring to maintain a bushy shape and at the same time apply a native plant fertilise for lots of flowers in the following autumn
You may also be interested in
- Waratah
- Banksia
- Callistemon
- Alyogyne Huegelii (Native Hibiscus)
- Diplolaena grandiflora
- Veronica perfoliata (Diggers speedwell)
Correa species and cultivars are available for sale from the following participating nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au