shrub

Rock Correa, Smooth Correa

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa glabra, commonly known as rock correa, is an evergreen Australian shrub native to rocky woodlands and open forests across the southeastern mainland. The species develops a dense, spreading habit, carrying narrow to elliptic leaves that release a distinct, sweet lemon scent when bruised.

Pendent, tubular flowers in shades of pale green or yellow emerge primarily from autumn through winter, with stamens extending prominently beyond the corolla. This species is highly adaptable, tolerating heavy clay soils and alkaline conditions that would challenge other native shrubs.

Uses & Benefits:

Features attractive, pendent tubular flowers and neat, aromatic foliage suitable for hedging.

Highly drought and frost tolerant once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.

Provides nectar for honeyeaters and native bees, and offers dense nesting cover for small birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

106 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Unknown

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Winter

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil in full sun to dappled shade, ensuring protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply a light mulch to conserve moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.
Water weekly during the first summer until established, after which the plant exhibits high drought tolerance.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune young plants regularly after flowering to prevent a sparse, leggy habit, taking care not to cut back into old, leafless wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Tip-prune regularly after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy form.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if feeding is required in spring.

Don't

Do not hard-prune deep into old, bare wood as it may fail to shoot.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or sit in standing water.
Do not over-fertilise, as this species requires minimal nutrients.

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

Hedge or ScreenRock GardenUnderstory PlantingBird Garden

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea lanigera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rock Correa, Smooth Correa questions

What zones can Rock Correa, Smooth Correa grow in?

Rock Correa, Smooth 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.

When does Rock Correa, Smooth Correa bloom?

Rock Correa, Smooth Correa typically blooms in autumn through winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Rock Correa, Smooth Correa need full sun?

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

Is Rock Correa, Smooth Correa drought tolerant?

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