shrub

Common Correa, Native Fuchsia

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa reflexa, commonly known as common correa, is an evergreen Australian shrub with a highly variable habit ranging from prostrate groundcovers to upright bushes. The opposite, oval leaves feature conspicuous oil glands on the upper surface and a stellate-hairy lower surface, providing a textured backdrop to the pendulous, tubular flowers.

The bell-shaped flowers occur singly or in small clusters at branchlet ends, clasped by a pair of leaf-like bracts. Flowering occurs primarily from autumn through spring, displaying highly variable colours from pale green and yellow to red with cream tips.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides long-lasting bell-shaped winter flowers and textured evergreen foliage.

Functions as an adaptable, drought-tolerant understory shrub for diverse soil types.

Attracts and supports nectar-eating native birds, bees, and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

80 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-draining sandy, loamy, or clay soil in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, then apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture.
Establish a moderate watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into old, leafless wood, as dormant buds on bare stems fail to shoot; instead, tip-prune lightly within the green foliage line immediately after the spring flowering flush.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent Phytophthora dieback.
Tip-prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a compact shape.
Select a local provenance matched to your specific regional climate.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood as it will not regenerate.
Do not overwater or allow the soil to become waterlogged.
Do not apply heavy doses of standard high-phosphorus fertilisers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Understory plantingCoastal gardensBird-attracting bordersRock gardens

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea lanigera Westringia fruticosa Crowea exalata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Correa, Native Fuchsia questions

What zones can Common Correa, Native Fuchsia grow in?

Common Correa, Native Fuchsia is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Common Correa, Native Fuchsia bloom?

Common Correa, Native Fuchsia typically blooms in autumn through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Correa, Native Fuchsia need full sun?

Common Correa, Native Fuchsia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Common Correa, Native Fuchsia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Common Correa, Native Fuchsia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.