Correa alba 'Coastal Pink'

Coastal Pink Correa

Botanical Name: Correa alba 'Coastal Pink'
Family: Rutaceae
Origin: Coastal South Australia and Victoria
Plant Type: Evergreen flowering shrub

Overview

This charming coastal form of the native white correa produces delicate soft pink tubular flowers from late autumn through winter when most other plants are dormant. A compact, naturally rounded shrub with dense silvery-green foliage, it's perfectly adapted to harsh coastal conditions while bringing gentle colour to the winter garden. Hardy and low-maintenance, it's an excellent choice for native gardens, coastal plantings, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.2 m H x 1.5 m W
• Growth Rate: Moderate; 15–25 cm per year; compact and naturally rounded with dense branching habit
• Foliage: Small oval leaves with silvery-green colouring and soft felted texture
• Flowers: Soft pink tubular bells, non-fragrant, flowering from May through August
• Seasonal Interest: Winter flowering period provides colour when most plants are dormant
• Wildlife Value: Attracts honeyeaters, native bees and small birds seeking winter nectar
• Tolerance: Drought, moderate frost to -5°C, coastal salt spray, strong winds, sandy soils, heat
• Planting Density: Mixed native border: 120–150 cm apart; mass planting: 80–100 cm apart
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, safe for family gardens

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade; flowers best with morning sun
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loam soils; excellent drainage essential
• Water Needs: Establishment: 12 weeks, twice weekly deep watering. Established: summer weekly; winter fortnightly or natural rainfall
• Maintenance: Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape; very low maintenance
• Lifespan: 15–20 years
• Climate Zones: Perfect for SA coastal areas, Adelaide plains, Fleurieu Peninsula, and temperate Hills regions
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Create a coastal native garden with banksias, grevilleas and native grasses
• Mass plant as winter-flowering groundcover on slopes or embankments
• Use as informal low hedging along pathways or garden borders

Why You Will Love It

Coastal Pink Correa delivers exactly what South Australian gardeners need – a tough, beautiful native that thrives in our challenging conditions while providing precious winter colour. Its soft pink flowers are like gentle bells announcing winter's arrival, attracting delighted birds to your garden when nectar is scarce. This is Australian gardening at its most rewarding – minimal effort, maximum beauty, and perfectly at home in our unique climate.