shrub

Australian Fuchsia, Native Fuchsia

Correa pulchella × reflexa 'Dusky Maid'

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs valued for their bell-shaped flowers and tolerance of dry, shaded understory conditions. These plants feature opposite leaves and woody stems covered in fine, star-shaped hairs.

'Dusky Maid' is a compact, spreading cultivar that functions as a dense groundcover or low shrub, though it is widely considered a trade synonym for the established 'Dusky Bells'. It produces pendulous, pale carmine-pink to dusky red tubular flowers with flared tips from autumn through to late spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dense, evergreen groundcover with pendulous pink-red flowers through the cooler months.

Excellent for stabilizing soil on gentle slopes and suppressing weeds due to its dense, spreading habit.

Attracts nectar-feeding native birds, such as honeyeaters, along with native bees and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia (parent species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Late spring

In flower about 8 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a well-draining soil mix, such as sandy loam, in a position with partial to light shade.
Water regularly during the establishment phase, ensuring the soil never becomes waterlogged.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.
Prune lightly after the spring flowering period to encourage a bushy, compact growth habit.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into old, leafless wood, as Correas lack latent buds on old stems and will fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly draining soil to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain density.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody stems.
Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged or heavy clay soil.
Do not over-fertilise, as native plants require minimal nutrients.

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

GroundcoverUnderstory plantingCoastal gardensRockeries

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Grevillea lanigera Crowea exalata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Australian Fuchsia, Native Fuchsia questions

What zones can Australian Fuchsia, Native Fuchsia grow in?

Australian Fuchsia, Native Fuchsia 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.

When does Australian Fuchsia, Native Fuchsia bloom?

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

Does Australian Fuchsia, Native Fuchsia need full sun?

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

Is Australian Fuchsia, Native Fuchsia drought tolerant?

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