Roundleaf Correa

Roundleaf Correa (Correa reflexa var. nummulariifolia) is the low, spreading native for the awkward corners where little else will settle. It grows about 45cm tall and spreads 1m to 1.2m wide, with small rounded olive-grey leaves and pale lemon-yellow bells that open on and off through most of the year. It takes dry soil, wet soil and sea spray, and it is one of the hardiest correas in the cold.

Why you'll love it

• It copes with awkward ground. Dry soil, wet soil, clay and salt spray are all fair game, so it fills the spots where fussier plants have already failed.
• Hardy in the cold. One of the hardiest correas, it should survive winter in Canberra and on the snowfields.
• Flowers most of the year. Small lemon-yellow bells appear through the year, and the odd plant opens pink and lemon instead.
• Feeds local wildlife. The bell flowers feed native birds and insects, which makes it a useful piece of a wildlife garden.
• Soft, quiet colour. The olive-grey leaves blend with almost any neighbour, in or out of flower, so it ties a mixed planting together.

Where it works best

Groundcover and mass planting. Plant 80cm apart for a dense groundcover. Each plant spreads 1m to 1.2m, so at that spacing the low mounds meet and shade out most weeds within a few seasons.

Coastal fringes. It handles sea spray on frontline sites, provided the position is not too windy and exposed. On a true headland, choose something tougher.

Cold climate and cottage gardens. At 45cm tall it sits comfortably at the front of a border, along a path or beneath taller shrubs, and it keeps going through frosty winters that flatten other plants.

Growing Roundleaf Correa in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade. Its home is Tasmania and coastal Victoria, so it is at its best in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean climates, and it is the correa to choose for cold gardens. We would not recommend it for the humid tropics.

Soil. Dry or wet, it copes with both, and with clay. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and keep soil temperatures even while the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first summer while the roots settle, then leave it to the weather in all but long dry spells. A native slow release fertiliser after pruning is all the feeding it needs.

Pruning. A light trim once flowering has finished gives it shape. It can be clipped to very tidy mounds, though you may lose some flowers.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Roundleaf Correa as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to cover a large area, while the potted packs give a fuller look sooner. Plants travel upright and settle quickly: expect a small plant at first, then steady spreading once it is rooted into warm soil.

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 our full correa range
• More groundcover plants for Australian gardens
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Designing a native garden that attracts wildlife

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 80cm apart for a continuous groundcover. Stretch to 1m if you would rather see each mound as a separate shape.

Will it survive frost and snow?

Yes. It is one of the hardiest correas and should come through winter in Canberra and on the snowfields.

Can I clip it into a mound?

Yes, after flowering. A light trim keeps it tidy, though clipping hard will cost you some of the flowers.