The Story
Plant Bio
Correa is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs characterized by opposite leaves and nodding, tubular flowers that rely on birds for pollination. These plants inhabit well-drained soils across temperate regions, showing high tolerance for coastal winds and salt spray.
'Catie Bec' is a compact, low-mounding hybrid cultivar that produces pale pink to deep fuchsia bell-shaped flowers from fall through spring. Its small, glossy green leaves feature a dense covering of fine hairs along the stems, forming a tight, spreading habit.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
39"
Width
59"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic (hairs may cause mild skin irritation)
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 soil drainage.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with native soil, avoiding heavy clay, and water deeply to settle the roots.
- Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.
Pro Tip
Prune the stems lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain a dense, bushy form, but avoid cutting back into bare, leafless wood where active nodes are absent.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently during dry summer periods once established.
- Plant in raised beds or mounds if local soils are heavy or slow-draining.
- Use physical barriers to protect young plants from browsing rabbits and deer.
Don't
- Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
- Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage sensitive root systems.
- Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood lacking visible nodes.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
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?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Australian Fuchsia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
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.
More Correa to compare

Coastal Correa
Correa backhouseana

Mountain Correa
Correa lawrenceana

White Correa
Correa alba

Canberra Bells Correa
Correa x hybrida 'Canberra Bells'

Common Correa
Correa reflexa

White Australian Fuchsia
Correa hybrid 'Ivory Bells'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Australian Fuchsia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

