The Native Fucshia, or Correa is an hardy genus of only 11 species from SE Australia, named after the Portugese Botanist Jose Correa da Serra. The plants are all evergreen, hardy to most frosts and coastal conditions, will tolerate extended dry periods and flower from mid winter to late spring. They are very easy to grow preferring a well drained soil in part to full sun. They respond well to a moderate prune each year to keep the foliage vigorous and compact. The flowers are tubular (almost Fuchsia like) and great for attracting nectar feeding birds.
C. alba is a rounded shrub reaching 1.0m high by.1.5m wide. The plant forms a compact bush with attractive grey green rounded foliage and open white flowers. The open starlike flowers occur over the bush most of the year. An annual feed with Osmocote Outdoor Tree and Shrubs and a light prune in spring will keep it looking good.
C. alba will grow well in heavy shade to full sun but requires good composted soil. It is a tough and easy to grow plant that is widely used for commercial and home landscaping. Plant with Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’, Prostanthera ‘Poorinda Ballerina’ or Westringia ‘Smokie’ for a solid native garden or a selection of Penstemon, Lavandula and Salvias for a mixture of texture and form.
