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Correa reflexa
common correa
Overview
Correa reflexa is an evergreen shrub native to southern and eastern Australia, varying widely from low spreading forms under 1 foot (30 cm) to upright plants 6.5 feet (2 m) tall. The oval to heart-shaped leaves are 0.4-1.6 inches (1-4 cm) long, dark green and rough or hairy on the upper surface with rusty hairs beneath. From autumn through winter the shrub carries pendulous tubular flowers 0.8-1.6 inches (2-4 cm) long, usually red tipped with green or greenish-yellow, though colour varies by population. The flared, reflexed petal tips give the species its name. The nectar-rich tubular flowers are pollinated by honeyeaters during the cooler months when little else is flowering. Small dry fruits follow. The species grows in heath, woodland, and coastal scrub on well-drained soils and tolerates dry shade. It dislikes prolonged wet soil, which can cause root rot, and some forms are short-lived.
Native Range
Native to southern and eastern Australia, including South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and southern Queensland, in heathland, dry forest, and coastal scrub.Suggested Uses
Grown in native and cottage gardens, rockeries, and containers for its winter flowers and bird appeal, and used as a low informal hedge or groundcover depending on form. Suited to dry shade where many shrubs do poorly. Its dislike of wet soil and variable lifespan are the main limitations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 6'6"
Width/Spread3' - 6'6"
Bloom Information
Pendulous tubular flowers appear from autumn through winter, mainly April to August, when few other shrubs are in flower. Individual plants can flower over many weeks, and the nectar draws honeyeaters. Flower colour ranges from red and green to cream depending on the form.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red with green tipsFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Correa reflexa grows in full sun to part shade on well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils, and tolerates dry shade beneath trees. It withstands drought once established and needs little summer water. Prolonged wet or poorly drained soil can cause root rot, so sharp drainage matters. It tolerates frost to about 23 F (-5 C) and light coastal exposure. Low-phosphorus native fertilizer suits it, as high phosphorus can damage the roots. Light pruning after flowering keeps the shrub compact.Pruning
Light pruning after flowering maintains a dense, compact habit and can be repeated yearly. Tip pruning of young plants encourages branching. The shrub tolerates being cut back into older wood if it becomes leggy.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons