shrub

Coastal Correa

Correa backhouseana

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa backhouseana is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub native to coastal southern Australia, highly resilient to salt-laden winds. The leathery, oval leaves are glossy dark green on the upper surface with a thick, woolly coating of rust-colored or gray hairs underneath.

This species produces pendulous, cylindrical cream to pale yellow-green flowers from fall through spring. The four-lobed, bell-like blossoms occur singly or in small clusters on short side shoots, attracting hummingbirds in North American gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, evergreen foliage and pendulous cream-colored flowers provide year-round structure and winter interest.

Highly resilient to salt spray and maritime winds, making it an excellent windbreak or hedge in coastal areas.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds in North America during the winter and early spring months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

78"

Width

98"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with excellent drainage, such as sandy, loamy, or light clay soil, in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then limit irrigation to occasional deep soakings once established.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertilizer sparingly in spring, avoiding heavy commercial formulas that can shorten the plant's lifespan.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in heavy clay or overwatering during summer dry spells, as wet roots quickly trigger fatal rot. When shaping, never prune back past the green foliage into bare wood, as branches lack dormant buds and will not regrow.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly draining sandy or loamy soils to prevent root rot.
Provide light afternoon shade in hot inland locations.
Tip-prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain a dense habit.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood, as it will fail to shoot.
Do not overwater or allow soil to become waterlogged.
Do not apply heavy, high-phosphorus commercial fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal windbreaksHedgesBird-friendly gardensContainer specimensMediterranean gardens

Companion Plants

Coastal shrubs Drought-tolerant perennials

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coastal Correa questions

What zones can Coastal Correa grow in?

Coastal Correa is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coastal Correa deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Coastal Correa, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Coastal Correa bloom?

Coastal Correa 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 Coastal Correa need full sun?

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

Is Coastal Correa drought tolerant?

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