Growing Correa.

Latest Update 10th August 2018.

Correa.

• Correas are vigorous growing ground covers that have excellent weed suppressing capabilties. It is a fast growing low spreading Australian native plant.
• It grows to a mature size of 50cm high x 2m wide, but can be kept smaller with careful pruning.
• It flowers strongly in the winter garden, and grows well in full sun to light shade. It tolerates both drought and frost.
• It prefers well drained soil but is adaptable to most soil types.

Details.

• Binomial Name:                                        Correa Reflexa
• Family:                                                    Rutaceae.
• Garden bed type:                                      Drip line irrigated.
• Plant Spacings (centres):                          500mm.
• Climate:                                                   Warm Temperate.
• Geography:                                              Southern Hemisphere.

Growing Conditions:

• It likes full sun in winter, but prefers protection against hot sun in a warm temperate climate.
• It is very hardy and requires very little attention.
• It survives well in poor soil, but benefit from a feed of homemade compost once a year, and well drained moist soil.
• Always minimise soil disturbances to maintain a natural soil structure.

Soil Preparation.

• Prepare a new bed in spring by removing old mulch, fallen leaves and other decaying organic material and disposing of them in the compost heap. I don't dig the soil.
• Apply a 60mm thick top dressing of home made compost, and cover with fresh straw mulch.
• Leave for 4 weeks so worm and microbe activity can build up in the soil. Remove the mulch before planting your new plant in Spring.

Propagation.

• Propagate Correas by taking root cuttings from new growth in Autumn.
• Plant the cuttings directly into prepared ground and water in with dilute seaweed extract (to suppliers recommendation).

Growing Instructions

• Apply a foliar spray of activated aerated compost tea every month when the edible plants are sprayed.
• In early autumn clear the ground of waste organic material and spent straw mulch beneath the plant and dispose of it in the compost heap.
• Lightly trim the foliage back to control the shape of this small shrub and keep it compact. Feed the soil surrounding the plant by applying a dressing of homemade compost (about 60mm) covered with fresh straw mulch.

Organic Pest Control.

• There have been no pest problems with my Correas. However sensible preventive measures like regularly spraying with aerated compost tea will boost their natural defences.
  Similarly, proper soil preparation including annual applications of home made compost boosts the community of beneficial microbes and defends roots against plant pathogens.