A tough, fast Australian native climber and groundcover bearing dusky red pea flowers in spring that attract honeyeaters. Hardy and adaptable, it is excellent for binding banks and quick cover.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 3 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Dusky Coral Pea
Botanically, Kennedia rubicunda is a fast-growing climber in the Fabaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 3 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Dusky Coral Pea
Dusky Coral Pea suits warm-temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Dusky Coral Pea does best in sandy, loamy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Dusky Coral Pea 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 Dusky Coral Pea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Dusky Coral Pea in the garden
Dusky Coral Pea earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes, a low lawn alternative, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and a fast screen or informal hedge.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Dusky Coral Pea with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-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 thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Dusky Coral Pea
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