Templetonia retusa (Cocky’s Tongue)
3 Comments »1st January, 2009; Category: Drought Tolerant Plants, Hardy Australian Native PLants, Plants of South Australia, Using Australian Natives
Templetonia Retusa
There are large, red pea shaped flowers very attractive to birds and butterflies, during winter and spring. This is a hardy plant suitable for front line coast and inland situations. It is moderately frost tolerant and requires good drainage. This can be achieved by creating a planting mound at least 5-10cm higher than the surrounding soil, if drainage is a problem. Templetonia retusa is found in South Australia and Western Australia. More information can be found here and here.
I live on a north west facing hill in Sydney & have little frost. Also have a lot of gums to provide protection & the steep hill provides good drainage. Liked your article think I will give it a go.
Where can I find a book with native Aust plants to show my gardening customers,
needs to be easy to read?
thanks,
Fergus
Hi,
I have a cockys tongue growing in my garden (near Melbourne airport) which has been in drought and very windy. It would be over three feet tall and was grown from a seed. Be aware that grubs love it and strip all the foliage but it comes back again in spring.