shrub

White Correa

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa alba, the white correa, is a compact, mounding evergreen shrub native to coastal Australia, reaching up to five feet in height and width. The small, rounded grey-green leaves are densely felted with silvery hairs underneath and release an aromatic scent when crushed.

Unlike most other members of the genus, this species features open, star-shaped white flowers with separate petals that spread flat rather than fusing into a bell-like tube. These blossoms appear primarily from fall through spring, though plants may bloom intermittently year-round in mild climates.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers year-round structure with dense, grey-green foliage and star-shaped white flowers that bloom through the cooler months.

Highly tolerant of salt spray, wind, and drought, making it an excellent choice for stabilizing soil in exposed coastal sites.

Provides a reliable nectar source for hummingbirds and beneficial insects when other garden plants are dormant.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

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 full sun to partial shade with sandy loam or exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune only the leafy, green stems immediately after flowering; cutting back into old, leafless wood kills the branch as the plant lacks dormant buds on old timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot pathogens.
Tip-prune annually after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Water sparingly once established, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody stems.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage the root system.
Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to standing water.

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 GardensHedgesRock GardensWater-wise GardensContainers

Companion Plants

Ceanothus Grevillea Westringia fruticosa Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Correa questions

What zones can White Correa grow in?

White Correa 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 White Correa deer resistant?

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

When does White Correa bloom?

White 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 White Correa need full sun?

White Correa does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is White Correa drought tolerant?

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