shrub

Australian Fuchsia

Correa hybrid 'Catie Bec'

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:

Ornamental UsesProvides consistent winter color with its nodding pink bell flowers and neat, glossy evergreen foliage.
Practical UsesHighly tolerant of salt spray and wind, making it an excellent choice for stabilizing exposed coastal garden beds.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts hummingbirds and beneficial insect pollinators during the cooler months when other nectar sources are scarce.

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

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and excellent soil drainage.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
  3. Backfill with native soil, avoiding heavy clay, and water deeply to settle the roots.
  4. 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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardensContainer PlantingMixed Shrub BordersRock Gardens

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.

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.