shrub

Mountain Correa

Correa lawrenceana

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa lawrenceana, the mountain correa, is an evergreen Australian shrub that thrives in cool, shaded forest understories. It features leathery, dark green leaves with densely hairy, rust-colored undersides and new growth that emerges with bronze or pinkish tones.

This species is distinguished by its pendulous, tubular bell-shaped flowers in shades of greenish-yellow, pink, or red that bloom from fall through spring. The prominent stamens extend far beyond the corolla tube, providing a highly accessible nectar source for foraging wildlife.

Uses & Benefits:

Features elegant pendulous bell-shaped flowers and attractive rusty-backed evergreen foliage.

Thrives in deep shade where many other flowering shrubs struggle to perform.

Provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and other pollinators during the cooler months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

80"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Fall – Spring

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in part to full shade with well-drained, organic-rich soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
Water in thoroughly and apply a thick layer of organic mulch to keep roots cool.
Water regularly until established, then maintain reliable moisture without waterlogging.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide dappled or full shade to protect the foliage from scorching.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch to maintain a cool, moist root run.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers.

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

Shade GardenUnderstory PlantingWoodland GardenContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Camellia

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.

Is Mountain Correa deer resistant?

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

When does Mountain Correa bloom?

Mountain Correa 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 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.