The Story
Plant Bio
Kennedia rubicunda, the dusky coral pea, is a vigorous evergreen climber or sprawling ground cover native to eastern Australia. Its trifoliate leaves emerge with a rusty-pubescent coating, maturing to a deep green that provides a dense backdrop for the unusual pea-like flowers.
The species is distinguished by its large, dusky red to dark pinkish-red flowers that feature a prominent greenish-yellow spot at the base of the standard. These nectar-rich blooms appear in axillary clusters from spring through summer, drawing hummingbirds and native bees.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Vine
Height
118"
Width
177"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly permeable, well-draining sandy loam or clay-loam soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is loosened to facilitate rapid root penetration.
- Install a sturdy trellis, fence, or support structure if training as a climber, or clear a wide area if allowing it to sprawl as a ground cover.
- Water thoroughly after planting and maintain moderate moisture until established, taking care never to let the soil become waterlogged.
Pro Tip
Prune the vine lightly immediately after summer flowering to prevent tangling; cutting back severely into old, leafless woody stems will prevent new buds from regenerating.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune lightly after the summer flowering period to maintain shape and control spread.
- Provide a strong support structure like a trellis or fence to support the heavy, woody vines.
- Ensure excellent soil drainage to protect the root system from fungal pathogens.
Don't
- Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, as it lacks the capacity to regenerate new shoots.
- Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that retain standing water.
- Do not over-fertilize, which stimulates excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dusky Coral Pea questions
What zones can Dusky Coral Pea grow in?
Dusky Coral Pea 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 Dusky Coral Pea deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Dusky Coral Pea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Dusky Coral Pea bloom?
Dusky Coral Pea typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dusky Coral Pea need full sun?
Dusky Coral Pea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Dusky Coral Pea drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dusky Coral Pea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Dusky Coral Pea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.