Cocky's Tongue

Cocky's Tongue (Templetonia retusa) is a compact native shrub, 1m to 2m tall and wide, with rounded grey-green leaves and red pea flowers through winter and spring. The flowers arrive when little else is blooming, so birds and gardeners both notice them. It comes from the southern coast of Australia, from Perth to Melbourne, and it loves a sunny, free-draining spot.

Why you'll love it

• Winter colour. Dozens of red pea flowers open in winter and spring, when most gardens are looking flat.
• Food for birds in winter. The flowers feed birds through the cooler months, making it a useful plant in a wildlife garden.
• Soft grey-green foliage. The rounded leaves sit well in native and cottage gardens and set off the red flowers.
• Coastal and frost tolerant. It grows wild along the southern coast and tolerates frost, so exposed sites are no problem.
• Compact and easy. At 1m to 2m it suits smaller gardens, and it asks for little once established.

Where it works best

Native and cottage gardens. Plant in groups of three at 1.5m apart so the shrubs touch and make a single mass of grey-green foliage.

Coastal sites. It is native to the southern coast, so it belongs in beachside plantings and exposed borders.

Winter colour beds. Plant it among other winter bloomers to carry the colour show through the coldest months.

Growing Cocky's Tongue in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the best flowering. It is at home in the dry Mediterranean climates of the southern states, and it tolerates frost. It will also cope with humidity if it has an airy, sunny spot and free-draining soil, so subtropical gardeners should focus on drainage and air movement.

Soil. Light, sandy, free-draining soil. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound with coarse material mixed through.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, around 12 weeks. After that it handles short dry spells, though a deep drink in prolonged dry weather keeps it flowering well.

Pruning. Little is needed. A light trim after flowering keeps the shrub compact.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cocky's Tongue as tube stock and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical way to plant a group. The 200mm pots are larger and give a planting more presence in its first year. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• More Australian native shrubs
• Top bird-attracting native plants

Common questions

When does it flower?

Through winter and spring, with red pea flowers that appear in dozens. It is a useful plant for cold-weather colour.

Will it grow in humid climates?

It can, but it prefers the dry climates of the southern states. In humid gardens give it free-draining soil, full sun and good air movement.

How big does it get?

Between 1m and 2m tall and wide. It stays compact, and a light trim after flowering keeps it in shape.