Kennedia Prostrata

Running Postman / Scarlet Coral Pea / Scarlet Runner

Botanical Name: Kennedia prostrata (Running Postman)
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Groundcover (prostrate vine)

Overview

Kennedia prostrata—commonly called Running Postman—is a tough, fast-spreading native groundcover loved for its carpets of vivid scarlet pea-flowers in late winter–spring. Its low, trailing stems and neat, mid-green trifoliate leaves spill beautifully over walls, rockeries and pots, making it a brilliant, low-maintenance problem solver for coastal and Mediterranean SA gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.1–0.2 m H × 1.5–3 m W (prostrate spread)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 (spread) cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Mid- to grey-green, soft trifoliate leaves; evergreen, tidy matting habit
• Flowers: Showy scarlet/crimson pea-flowers with a small yellow/orange blotch; abundant in season
  
• Seasonal Interest: Winter–spring peak bloom; fresh green cover year-round
• Wildlife Value: Nectar and pollen for native bees; habitat for small beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Mass cover: 2–3 plants per m²; Edges/over walls: 1 plant per 1–1.5 m run
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally regarded as non-toxic; discourage chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light/part shade (best flowering in full sun)
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor, coastal soils
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; seldom in winter unless very dry
• Maintenance: Light tip-prune after flowering to keep dense; refresh mulch in spring; low-phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring if needed
• Lifespan: 10-20 years
• Climate Zones: Ideal for temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Weeping groundcover to cascade over retaining walls, rockeries and embankmentsh
• Fast, living mulch between shrubs to reduce weeds and tie plantings together
• Native-style container or large bowl, letting the red blooms spill over the rim

Why You Will Love It

That pop of brilliant winter–spring colour is hard to beat—just when gardens need it most. Running Postman knits across bare ground quickly, is water-wise once established, and thrives with minimal care, adding year-round softness and seasonal wow without the fuss.