shrub

Mountain Correa

Correa lawrenceana

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa lawrenceana, commonly known as mountain correa, is an evergreen shrub native to the wet sclerophyll forests and mountainous regions of eastern Australia. Unlike its dry-climate relatives, this species thrives in cool, damp understorey conditions, producing leathery, opposite leaves with shiny upper surfaces and felted undersides.

It is distinguished by its pendulous, narrow-cylindrical to bell-shaped flowers that bloom from autumn through to spring, displaying colours from cream to deep red with prominent, long-exserted stamens. The young stems and fresh growth are covered in a characteristic layer of rusty or fawn-coloured stellate hairs.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides elegant, pendulous bell-shaped flowers in shades of cream, green, or red from autumn through to spring, set against dark, leathery foliage.

Thrives in deep shade and difficult understorey positions where other flowering shrubs fail to establish.

Readily supports Australian honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding native birds, as well as native insects, with its nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade with moist, humus-rich, well-drained sandy loam or loam soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery pot, ensuring the stem collar is clear of soil.
Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain reliable moisture during the establishment phase.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush; cutting back into old, leafless wood will kill the branch as this species lacks dormant buds on mature stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in partial to full shade to mimic its natural forest understorey habitat.
Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
Tip-prune lightly after the main spring flowering to maintain density.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare wood, as the plant will fail to reshoot.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or sit in standing water.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilisers.

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

Shady understorey plantingMixed shrub bordersNative or woodland gardensProtected coastal screens

Companion Plants

Ferns Other shade-loving Australian native understorey plants Rainforest margin shrubs

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mountain Correa questions

What zones can Mountain Correa grow in?

Mountain 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.

When does Mountain Correa bloom?

Mountain 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 Mountain Correa need full sun?

Mountain Correa does best in part shade.

Is Mountain Correa drought tolerant?

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