PLANT OF THE WEEK
Correa species
Plants with bell shaped flowers are pretty much sought after by gardeners because the flowers are unusual and add an extra dimension to the floral palette.
The good old fashioned fuchsia is however not easy for gardeners to grow in some districts so what can you do?
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| Correa alba |
Turn to the native equivalent, which is much more hardy and suited to a variety of climates.
Let’s find out more.
That was Adrian O’Malley, horticulturist and native plant expert.
Family:Rutaceae
Distribution: mainly eastern Australia
Flower: C. reflexa has the tips of the joined petals, turned back with eight stamens that stick out. May to November is the main flowering time with spot flowering in between.
Location: Light shade with moisture: suitable for under trees.
- Notes: They may not last forever in your garden, but will brighten up the cooler months.
- They like dry shade but do better with a bit of a drink, especially as they have fine shallow roots. Mulching with help retain moisture.
- If they grow leggy, give them a light prune.
Adrian and I focussed on four species of correa:
- Correa, reflexa,
- Correa pulchella, wide colour range from pale red, pink and orange that flower in autumn and winter.
Correa bauerlenii: Chef's cap Correa - Correa alba with whitish flowers and tomentose leaves
- Correa bauerlenii.tends to be limey green scented flowers.
