How to grow white correa
Overview
White correa (Correa alba) is a dense, evergreen shrub from the Rutaceae family, valued for its soft grey-green foliage and small white bell-shaped flowers. It provides reliable structure and texture in coastal and dry gardens, linking bolder feature plants without demanding attention.
Varieties
- Correa alba 'White Star' — Compact form with larger, star-shaped flowers; ideal for small gardens.
- Correa alba 'Pink Mist' — Pale pink flowers, more spreading habit; good for groundcover.
Soil Preparation
Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Amend heavy clay with gypsum and coarse sand; improve sandy soil with composted pine bark. Ensure good drainage—mound beds if necessary.
Growing Guide
Plant in a position with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hot inland areas. Space 1–1.5 m apart for a dense hedge or 2 m for a specimen. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot, backfill with native soil, and water in well. Mulch with 5–7 cm of coarse organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid planting in heavy clay or waterlogged sites.
Sowing
Sow seed 3–5 mm deep in a seed-raising mix, keep moist and warm (20–25°C). Germination takes 3–6 weeks. Direct sow in autumn in Mediterranean zones; transplant seedlings when 10 cm tall. Not commonly grown from seed—cuttings are more reliable.
Care
Feed with a slow-release native fertiliser (low phosphorus) in early spring. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; remove any dead or crossing branches. No heavy feeding required—avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers.
Companion Planting
Pairs well with Westringia fruticosa, Grevillea 'Poorinda Royal', and Hardenbergia violacea for a mixed native hedge. Avoid planting near phosphorus-hungry vegetables or lawns that receive high-phosphorus fertilisers, as white correa is sensitive to phosphorus.
Common Pests & Risks
Scale insects and leaf-chewing caterpillars (e.g., from the Correa moth) may appear. Control scale with horticultural oil in winter; hand-pick caterpillars or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if severe. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and fungal issues.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often due to phosphorus toxicity or poor drainage—switch to native fertiliser and improve drainage. Brown edges: leaf scorch from hot afternoon sun—move to part-shade or provide shade cloth. Sparse growth: too much shade or water—reduce watering and increase light. Leaf drop: overwatering or root rot—check soil moisture and allow to dry. No flowers: insufficient sun or over-pruning—prune after flowering only.