shrub

White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa alba, the white correa, is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub native to the coastal cliffs and sand dunes of southeastern Australia. The leathery, dark green leaves feature a dense, felt-like white tomentum on their undersides, while the white, star-like flowers open flat rather than forming the tubular bells typical of the genus.

This species is highly adapted to frontline coastal exposure, tolerating salt-laden winds and dry, sandy soils where other shrubs fail. The main flowering period spans autumn and winter, providing a reliable nectar source for honeyeaters when few other coastal plants are in bloom.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, rounded evergreen habit with grey-green foliage and star-like white flowers that open flat.

Highly resistant to salt-laden winds and marine spray, making it ideal for frontline coastal erosion control.

Provides nectar for honeyeaters and native insects, and offers dense physical shelter for small wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

80 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Native To

Southeastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with excellent drainage, such as a sandy loam, raised bed, or rocky slope, in full sun or light dappled shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil line to prevent collar rot.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic matter or heavy fertilisers, and water in thoroughly to settle the soil.
Apply a coarse, organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to maintain dry conditions around the collar.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun to maximise flower density and prevent the fungal collar rots that occur in stagnant, shaded positions. When pruning, never cut back past the active green foliage line into bare wood, as the stems lack latent buds to reshoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly free-draining sandy or rocky soils.
Prune lightly and regularly after the main spring flowering flush.
Ensure the plant receives open airflow to prevent fungal issues.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless grey wood.
Do not overwater once the root system is established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal windbreaksFrontline dune stabilizationLow informal hedgingRock gardensNative bird gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree questions

What zones can White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree grow in?

White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree 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 White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree bloom?

White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree 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 White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree need full sun?

White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), White correa, White fuchsia, Cape Barren tea, Botany Bay tea tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.