Description & Interesting Facts:

Correa is a genus of eleven species of flowering plants native to Australia, in the family Rutaceae. The species are known for their leathery leaves and tubular flowers that come in various colours, including cream, pure white, greenish-yellow, pink, orange and red. They generally have a dense shrubby growth habit, with varieties which are excellent for hedging or as a ground cover.

Due to their nodding bell-like flowers which look similar to a fuchsia, Correa alba was given the common name White Australian Fuchsia. However, unlike the rather delicate real fuchsias, correas are frost hardy, drought tolerant, and adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions.

White Correa, White Australian Fuchsia (Correa alba)

The white correa is endemic to areas of south-eastern Australia, and typically grows in coastal heathland and shrubland, or on sand dunes very close to the beach, rocky headlands or cliffs.

It has a purely coastal occurrence in New South Wales, and south from Port Stephens. It has a patchy distribution along most of the Victorian coast, and is found along the north and east coasts of Tasmania as well as the islands of Bass Strait. It also grows along the South Australian coast from Mt. Gambier to Adelaide and Kangaroo Island.

The white correa is a fast growing evergreen shrub with a dense rounded habit, reaching around 1.5 to 2m in height and spreading 1m. The ovate grey-green leaves are leathery with very hairy undersides and reddish-brown new growth.

Flowers appear between mid-autumn and early winter (April to June), but can also appear sporadically on the bushes throughout the year.

In this species, the flowers are not the typical tubular Correa flowers but are more flattened and star-shaped with the four petals spread out rather than fused into a tube. They are produced solitarily or in small clusters in the leaf axils. The blooms are usually white but some forms will show a tinge of pink. The fruits are composed of small woody cocci (segments).

Correa alba Image by James Gaither from flickrUsing the White Correa in the garden

This attractive and durable plant brightens the landscape in autumn and winter when many gardens look a bit bleak. Because it is a small sized plant it is ideal for growing in smaller gardens and containers. It is also a popular bonsai plant.

The white correa works well in the garden as a low-growing hedge to define borders between different parts of the garden.

Because it is able to tolerate salty coastal winds where other plants struggle, in such an environment you can use them as a small windbreak to create a calmer microclimate for plants growing nearby.

Plant white correa alongside pathways, or repeat the use of the plants mounded effect for continuity in mixed plantings and borders.  Pruned or unpruned the white correa can be incorporated into all types of garden design. It blends in just as effortlessly in wild and informal or cottage themes as it does in contemporary garden design styles.

The white correa is perfect for moonlight gardens as the pale pink or white flowers shine from a background of metallic-grey foliage, looking quite magical on a cold moonlit winter’s night.

The plant serves as a food source for nectar-feeding birds and insects, and its dense growth habit provides shelter for small creatures.

Companion plants for the White Correa

The white correa is great in water-wise gardens, combined with other plants that have similar needs in terms of water, sunlight, and soil.

Coastal Rosemary (Westringia)

Coastal Rosemary is a great companion for the white correa. This Australian native is well-regarded for its robust nature and its lovely flowers in a range of hues from mauve to blue-purple or white. The needle-like shape of its foliage contrasts well with the rounder leaves of the white correa, and because its grey-green foliage is a similar shade to that of correa, planted together they provide rhythm and continuity in the garden.

Members can click here to read more about Coastal Rosemary

Australian Brush Cherry (Syzigium paniculatum)

Syzigium paniculatum, known in Australia as Lilly Pilly, is endemic to the littoral and subtropical rainforests of the central coast of New South Wales. This evergreen with its glossy green leaves, reddish new growth, attractive flowers and ornamental fruits, is one of the most popular garden plants in Australia today, particularly for hedging, topiary, and for windbreaks at the coast. 'Compacta' is a dwarf variety with a rounded form and bronzy-red new foliage, throughout the year.

Members can click here to read more about the Australian Brush Cherry

Fan Flower (Scaevola)

The fan flower is native to Australia and can be found growing wild in coastal districts, commonly on coastal dunes and in dry forests, occurring mainly on sandy soils.  Many beautiful cultivars have been bred for the garden in shades of purple, blue, mauve and white, and they flower prolifically and almost continuously in warm climates; or until the first frost in colder regions. Planted underneath the white correa its trailing habit and fan-shaped flowers provide a different texture to Correa’s upright growth and bell-shaped flowers.

Members can click here to read more about the Fan Flower

The Hottentots Fig, Kaapsevy (Carpobrotus)

This genus of succulents is native to coastal regions of Southern Africa as well as Australia. They’re known for their fleshy leaves, vibrant daisy-like flowers, and their ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions. Carpobrotus provides a contrast to Correa with its succulent leaves and bright flowers. It is often seen as a pioneer plant on disturbed sites and in large areas is essential for the fast stabilization of sandy slopes. In areas prone to wild fires, it makes a good fire-resistant barrier.

Members can click here to read more about the Hottentots Fig

Cultivation:

Coming from coastal sand dunes of Tasmania and south-eastern Australia, the white correa is ideal for seaside gardens, shrugging off salt winds easily and even coping well with salt spray.

Is White Correa cold and frost hardy?

Established plants are cold hardy down to -5°C and will tolerate frost. Protect young plants with a frost cover.

Does White Correa prefer sun or shade?

Correa will grow in full sun or semi-shade, however, it has been observed that in coastal regions the plant will thrive in full sun, but in bushland in their native homeland, most grow naturally as under-storey plants where they receive strong light but dappled shade.

In South Australia most garden varieties prefer conditions where they receive some shade during the hottest part of the day, and in South Africa they will also do well under the same conditions.  

Is the White Correa drought tolerant?

Well-established plants show remarkable drought tolerance and will only need a deep watering every three weeks or so during hot dry weather.  

Like most plants, correas need special attention while they are becoming established. This means regular watering during their first summer and autumn. However, in their second summer watering should become less frequent, allowing the topsoil to dry out before re-watering, and then soaking deeply.

In winter rainfall regions the plants will need perfect soil drainage and watering in summer.

What soil type is best for White Correa?

In the wild correa grows in sandy or rocky areas, on limestone or calcareous soils.  Nevertheless, it is not fussy and will grow in most garden soils with good drainage. If your soil is impoverished, enrich it with compost before planting.

The secret to growing correas successfully is drainage as the plants will not tolerate ‘wet feet’.

In the heavier loams and particularly clay soils, correas are sure to struggle. Fortunately this problem is easily remedied by growing your plants in pots or on a mound raised 15-20cm above ground level. Adding gypsum to clay soils (1 kg to the square metre) before planting is also recommended.

Mulching is not recommended as this is likely to induce collar rot, a fungal disease that is caused by a build-up of high humidity underneath the plant's canopy

Does White Correa require feeding?

Feeding your correa plant with a general organic fertiliser in spring and again in mid to late summer will encourage more abundant blooming.

The best time to prune White Correa

The plants can be pruned at any time but to ensure good blooming next season its best to prune after flowering in late winter, or in early spring and summer.

Propagation:

White Correa can be grown from seed, but the quickest and most effective method of propagation is cuttings taken in spring or early summer.

Select a nice healthy branch that is actively growing, and take 10 to 15cm long cuttings. You want to cut the piece just below a lead join (node) and then remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top, then trimming the remaining leaves in half. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone (optional).

Plant the cuttings firmly into pots or trays with a well-draining potting or seedling mix, or a 50:50 mix of palm peat and perlite. Place your cuttings in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight.

Maintain consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering. A DIY mini-greenhouse made with clear plastic will increase humidity.

Problems Pests & Diseases:

If grown correctly the white correa does not suffer from diseases. However, in waterlogged soils root rot may kill the plants. Ensure your soil is perfectly drained and do not overwater.

Common pests include aphids, caterpillars, and thrips, which can cause leaf deformation and discoloration.