Correa reflexa var. reflexa - Common Correa

Correa reflexa - Common Correa (green)

Habit and Habitat:
Correa reflexa, also known as Common Correa, is a delightful native Australian shrub that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. This evergreen shrub features a graceful, arching habit with slender, pendulous branches. Common Correa is found across various regions in Australia, thriving in a diverse range of habitats, including coastal heathlands, woodlands, and rocky slopes.

Place in Local Habitat and Ecosystem Distribution:
Common Correa plays a vital role in local ecosystems, attracting native birds, bees, and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers. It often forms part of the understory in woodlands and heathlands, contributing to the biodiversity and health of Australia's natural habitats.
The bell-shaped flowers of Common Correa provide a nutritious nectar source, attracting a wide variety of native birds, including honeyeaters and lorikeets.

Planting Companions:
Pair Common Correa with other Australian native plants like Banksia, Grevillea, and Hakea species to create a visually stunning and wildlife-friendly garden. These companions not only complement Common Correa's beauty but also provide a diverse array of food and shelter for native fauna.

Specific Human and Wildlife Uses:
Aside from its ornamental value, Common Correa has cultural significance in Indigenous Australian traditions, possibly serving various purposes in traditional medicine or rituals. In modern gardens, it serves as an enchanting focal point, attracting local bird species and pollinators, adding life and movement to your landscape.

Care Instructions:
Common Correa is relatively easy to care for. Plant it in well-draining soil and a position that receives partial shade to full sun. Regular watering during its establishment phase will help it thrive. Once established, it can tolerate dry spells, making it a resilient addition to your garden.

Size, Height, Width, Flower, and Leaf Characteristics:
Common Correa typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters, with a spread of 1.5 to 2 meters. Its attractive, bell-shaped flowers bloom in an array of colors, including shades of red, pink, and cream, capturing the eye and inviting pollinators. The evergreen leaves are oval-shaped, showcasing a glossy dark green color. Common Correa is known for its ability to bloom during winter, making it a valuable source of food for pollinators when other flowering plants are scarce.

Latin Etymology:
The genus name "Correa" pays homage to the Portuguese botanist José Francisco Correia da Serra, while "reflexa" refers to the plant's reflexed or bent-back flower petals.