In Flower this Week:
                    Correa pulchella ‘Ring A Ding Ding’
                               (03 September 2015)

Correa pulchella ‘Ring A Ding Ding’ deserves a place - or many - in every garden, not least for its outstanding flowers. This delightful native shrub, growing to 50cm in height and 60cm in width, produces luminescent bell-shaped flowers over an extended period during winter and spring. The colour I find a little difficult to describe, being somewhere between deep apricot and pink with a hint of red.
 
As with most species of this genus, commonly known as Native Fuchsia, Correa ‘Ring A Ding Ding’ prefers a sunny aspect protected from hot summer sun and winds. The soil needs to be at least moderately well drained with reliable moisture until established. Mature specimens are dry tolerant but appreciate additional watering over extended dry periods, particularly in summer. Ongoing maintenance is minimal with a tip prune after flowering and applications of organic slow release fertilisers and teas during the growing season, being all that’s required.  
 
C. ‘Ring A Ding Ding’ has many uses including mass plantings, foreground plantings and pot culture. Its flowers and foliage are as attractive to local birdlife as they are to us human folk. 

Correa pulchella ‘Ring A Ding Ding’. This small shrub has an extended flowering season over winter and spring and makes for a lovely pot specimen