Kennedia rubicunda
dusky coral pea
Overview
Kennedia rubicunda is a fast-growing evergreen climber and scrambler with twining stems reaching 10-20 feet (3-6 m) long, spreading 6.5-16 feet (2-5 m) wide as a groundcover where there is nothing to climb. The leaves are trifoliate, with three broad oval leaflets 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, mid to dark green and slightly hairy beneath. Dusky dark red pea flowers 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm) long hang in small clusters from spring into summer, drawing nectar-feeding birds. Flat hairy pods follow and hold hard seed. As a legume, the plant fixes nitrogen through root nodules. Native to coastal eastern Australia, it grows on sandy and loamy soils in open forest, heath, and disturbed ground, often appearing quickly after fire. It tolerates drought, salt, and poor soils once established, climbs vigorously, and can smother smaller plants if left unmanaged, though it is fairly short-lived.
Native Range
Native to coastal eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to eastern Victoria, where it grows in open forest, heath, and disturbed sites on sandy and loamy soils.Suggested Uses
Planted on fences, trellises, banks, and as a fast groundcover in native and coastal gardens, and used for quick cover and erosion control on disturbed ground. Its flowers draw nectar-feeding birds and insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread6'6" - 16'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
mid to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 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