Species

shrub

Australian Fuchsia

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa pulchella, commonly known as the Australian fuchsia, is a small evergreen shrub native to South Australia's coastal cliffs and woodlands. It features small, glossy green leaves and produces pendant, tubular flowers that bloom continuously from fall through winter.

'Autumn Blaze' is a low-growing, wide-spreading cultivar selected from Kangaroo Island populations for its dense, prostrate growth habit. It is distinguished by its bright orange bell-shaped flowers tipped with pale pink, making it an effective ground cover or rockery plant.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant orange bell-shaped flowers throughout the fall and winter months when most other plants are dormant.

Functions as an effective, drought-tolerant ground cover that suppresses weeds once established.

Attracts and supports hummingbirds with its nectar-rich, tubular winter blooms.

SpeciesCorrea pulchellaAustralian Fuchsia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

12"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Fall – Spring

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and excellent, rapid drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent rot.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic amendments, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule that allows the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Pro Tip

Never cut back into old, leafless wood, as this plant lacks dormant buds on old stems and will fail to reshoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable soil or raised beds to ensure rapid drainage.
Tip-prune young plants regularly to encourage dense, compact branching.
Apply a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer sparingly in early spring.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil, which induces fatal root rot.
Do not prune hard into old, woody stems that lack leaves.
Do not plant in highly humid, stagnant microclimates where powdery mildew thrives.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Ground cover for dry, sunny slopesRock gardens and retaining wall spillersLow-maintenance border edgingContainer planting for patios

Companion Plants

Grevillea lanigera Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Australian Fuchsia questions

What zones can Australian Fuchsia grow in?

Australian 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.

Is Australian Fuchsia deer resistant?

Yes — Australian Fuchsia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Australian Fuchsia bloom?

Australian Fuchsia typically blooms in fall through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Australian Fuchsia need full sun?

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

Is Australian Fuchsia drought tolerant?

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