shrub

Spreading Correa

Correa decumbens

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa decumbens, known as spreading correa, is a low-growing, evergreen Australian shrub that forms a dense, wide-spreading groundcover. The narrow, dark green leaves feature woolly, rust-colored undersides, providing a distinct textural contrast.

This species is distinguished by its upright, narrow cylindrical flowers of pinkish-red with green tips, which stand erect on short lateral branches. The tubular blooms appear from winter through summer, offering a reliable nectar source when few other plants are active.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a low, dense carpet of dark green foliage accented by upright, tubular red and green flowers.

Excellent for stabilizing sandy slopes and coastal soils where other shrubs struggle.

Provides a critical winter nectar source for resident hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

16"

Width

78"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

South Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Summer

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage, such as a raised bed or sloped bank.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic amendments, which can hold too much moisture around the root system.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then apply a thin layer of gravel or coarse bark mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Plant in highly permeable, sandy or gravelly soil; heavy clay or excess moisture triggers rapid, fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Water sparingly once established, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Use a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated for sensitive native plants if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant lacks the capacity to regenerate from bare stems.
Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Do not over-fertilize, particularly with high-phosphorus mixes, which can damage the root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverRock gardenErosion control on slopesCoastal gardenUnderstory planting

Companion Plants

Grevillea Westringia Arctostaphylos Ceanothus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spreading Correa questions

What zones can Spreading Correa grow in?

Spreading Correa 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 Spreading Correa deer resistant?

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

When does Spreading Correa bloom?

Spreading Correa typically blooms in winter through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Spreading Correa need full sun?

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

Is Spreading Correa drought tolerant?

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