Correa Alba Compacta

White Correa / Native Fuschia / White Correra Compact

Botanical Name: Correa alba ‘Compacta’
Family: Rutaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

Correa alba ‘Compacta’ is a tough, compact native for South Australian gardens. It forms a neat mound of silvery/grey-green foliage and covers itself in starry white flowers through the cooler months (mainly autumn–winter). Excellent for coastal sites, low hedging and water-wise borders; thrives with good drainage and light pruning.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6-1 m H x 1-1.5 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Dense, rounded, grey-green/silvery leaves; underside softly textured; neat, clip-responsive habit
• Flowers: White, star-shaped blooms mainly late autumn–winter; nectar-rich for birds and pollinators; not notably fragrant (foliage is lightly aromatic when crushed)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Cool-season flowering with year-round structure and colour
• Wildlife Value: Attracts nectar-feeding birds and beneficial insects, especially in winter
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), wind-tolerant
  coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Shrub borders or low hedges: 0.6–1 m centres for a dense finish (loosen to 1–1.2 m for broader mounds)
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally non-toxic to cats/dogs; as with many ornamentals, eating large amounts may cause mild GI upset

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (flowers best with sun)
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates coastal sands and improved clay if drainage is good (avoid waterlogging)
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; tip-prune after flowering to keep compact; light native fertiliser in early spring
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Adaptable — best around neutral, grows from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline if drainage is sharp (coastal sands OK)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low informal hedges and coastal borders (great clip response)
• Mass plant for a cohesive, low-maintenance ground-level structure
• Feature near paths, driveways and outdoor living; also suits large pots in sunny spots

Why You Will Love It

A set-and-forget coastal native: compact, water-wise and long-flowering when much of the garden is quiet. ‘Compacta’ brings soft silvery foliage, winter nectar for wildlife, and thrives in SA’s coastal and Mediterranean conditions with minimal care.