Templetonia retusa (Cocky’s Tongue)

Templetonia retusa (Cocky’s Tongue)

2 Comments »Thursday January 1st, 2009

Templetonia Retusa

This lovely shrub is very hardy and well worth a place in a shrubbery. It can grow to 2m high and 3 m wide although I have never seen this size in garden conditions. It can be pruned and this will keep it to a reasonable size.

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.

2 Responses to “Templetonia retusa (Cocky’s Tongue)”

Trish says:

Friday July 3rd, 2009 at 9:05 am

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.
fergus says:

Sunday July 12th, 2009 at 9:18 pm

Where can I find a book with native Aust plants to show my gardening customers,
needs to be easy to read?

thanks,

Fergus

Templetonia retusa (Cocky’s Tongue)

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