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Templetonia spp.
cockies tongues
Overview
Templetonia is a genus of about 11 evergreen shrubs and subshrubs in the pea family, endemic to southern and western Australia. Plants form upright to rounded crowns from 1-10 feet (0.3-3 m) tall, with simple, leathery, grey-green leaves and stiff, often spineless green stems. The pea flowers are carried singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils through winter and spring; in T. retusa they are deep red, while other species range to cream, yellow, or greenish. The flowers are rich in nectar and draw honeyeaters and other birds, which pollinate them. Flat, leathery seed pods follow. Most species grow on sandy, well-drained coastal and arid soils and tolerate salt spray, wind, and extended dry periods once established. They resent heavy, wet, or poorly drained ground, where the roots rot. Frost tolerance is limited, with most species hardy only to light frost and lowland forms damaged by hard freezes. Plants are relatively short-lived shrubs that flower most heavily in their early years.
Native Range
Templetonia is endemic to Australia, concentrated in the south and southwest, with species in Western Australia, South Australia, and adjacent states. It grows in coastal scrub, mallee, and semi-arid heath on sandy and rocky soils.Suggested Uses
Used as a flowering shrub in coastal, native, and low-water gardens, and for screening on dry, sandy banks. Suited to exposed seaside plantings where salt and wind limit other shrubs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
deep red, also cream, yellow, or greenishFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Grow in full sun on light, sandy or gravelly, sharply drained soil, including exposed coastal sites. Water sparingly once established, as the roots rot in heavy, wet ground. Tolerates salt spray, wind, and drought. Use low-phosphorus fertilizer or none, in keeping with Australian natives. Most species are hardy only to light frost and need shelter or frost-free conditions in cold climates.Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant and keep growth compact. Plants tolerate tip pruning but resent hard cutting into old, leafless wood. Remove dead or frost-damaged stems in spring.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons