Rock Correa

Correa glabra (Rock Correa, Smooth Correa)

Correa glabra, commonly known as Rock Correa or Smooth Correa, is a hardy, low-maintenance Australian native shrub valued for its attractive evergreen foliage and tubular flowers, which attract birds and pollinators. It is well-suited to gardens, hedging, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Correa glabra
• Common Names: Rock Correa, Smooth Correa
• Family: Rutaceae
• Native Range: Eastern Australia (Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia)
• Growth Habit: Dense, bushy, evergreen shrub, typically 1–2 meters tall
• Leaves: Small, oval, glossy dark green, aromatic when crushed
• Flowers:
  • Tubular, bell-shaped flowers in green, yellow, or red (depending on variety)
  • Blooms from autumn to spring
  • Rich in nectar, attracting honeyeaters, bees, and butterflies
• Drought & Frost Tolerance: High; suitable for coastal and inland gardens

Growing & Care Guide

1. Planting Requirements

✅ Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to part shade.
✅ Soil: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
✅ pH: Tolerates acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
✅ Location: Great for native gardens, borders, hedging, and wildlife planting.

2. Watering & Feeding

💧 Watering:

• Young plants: Regular watering until established.
• Mature plants: Drought-tolerant; occasional deep watering in dry periods.

🌱 Fertilization:

• Use a low-phosphorus, native plant fertilizer in spring for optimal growth.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Pruning & Maintenance

✂️ Pruning:

• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
• Can be shaped into a compact hedge with regular pruning.

🌿 Mulching:

• Apply organic mulch (e.g., bark, compost) around the base to conserve moisture.

4. Pests & Diseases

🐜 Pest Resistance:

• Generally pest-free, but may attract scale insects or aphids occasionally.
• If pests appear, treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

🦠 Disease Resistance:

• Resistant to most diseases; good airflow helps prevent fungal issues.

5. Propagation

🌱 Grown from Seeds or Cuttings:

• Seed propagation is slow and less reliable.
• Cuttings (semi-hardwood) taken in spring/summer provide the best results.

6. Landscaping & Uses

✅ Feature Shrub: Works well as a low-maintenance garden feature.
✅ Hedging & Screening: Can be pruned into a dense hedge or windbreak.
✅ Wildlife Garden: Nectar-rich flowers attract birds, bees, and butterflies.
✅ Understory Planting: Grows well under trees or in shaded areas.
✅ Coastal & Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Excellent for low-water landscapes.

Why Grow Rock Correa glabra?

• Hardy, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant – perfect for tough conditions.
• Long flowering period – provides color and food for pollinators for months.
• Versatile in landscaping – works as a hedge, feature shrub, or ground cover.