A versatile small shrub with pendulous red-and-green tubular bells through autumn and winter that supply nectar to honeyeaters when little else flowers. Shade-tolerant and frost-hardy.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun, full sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Common Correa
Botanically, Correa reflexa is a moderate-growing shrub in the Rutaceae family, native to Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red and cream green flowers appear in autumn and winter.
Where to grow Common Correa
Common Correa suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun, full sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Common Correa does best in loamy, free-draining and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Common Correa is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Common Correa after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Common Correa in the garden
Common Correa earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, pots and courtyard containers and holding soil on banks and slopes. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Common Correa with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Common Correa
Plant Sale lists Common Correa as tube stock and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.