Contents
Description
Kennedia Coccinea, also known as the Coral Pea or Running Postman, is a flowering plant that belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to Australia and is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful, bright red flowers that bloom from spring to summer. The plant is a climber and can grow up to 6 meters in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Kennedia |
Appearance
Kennedia Coccinea has a twining habit and can climb up trellises, fences, and walls. The plant has green, trifoliate leaves that are about 10 cm long. The flowers are bright red, pea-shaped, and about 3 cm in diameter. They appear in clusters of 5-10 and bloom from spring to summer. The fruit is a flattened, brown pod that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Kennedia Coccinea is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow healthy and vibrant Coral Peas:- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during the hot and dry summer months. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A sandy loam soil is ideal.- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its flowering.- Hardiness Zones: Kennedia Coccinea is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Kennedia Coccinea is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet, and spider mites and aphids may infest the plant in dry, hot weather. To prevent these problems, make sure to water the plant properly and keep it well-hydrated.
Habitat
Kennedia Coccinea is native to Australia and is commonly found in the eastern states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, heathlands, and along watercourses.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall can Kennedia Coccinea grow?
A: Kennedia Coccinea can grow up to 6 meters in length.
Q: What is the ideal soil for Kennedia Coccinea?
A: Kennedia Coccinea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A sandy loam soil is ideal.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Kennedia Coccinea?
A: Feed the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Q: Is Kennedia Coccinea a hardy plant?
A: Yes, Kennedia Coccinea is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
– Kennedia Nigricans- Kennedia Rubicunda- Kennedia Prostrata- Kennedia Monophylla
References
– “Kennedia Coccinea.” Australian Plants Online. https://www.australianplantsonline.com.au/kennedia-coccinea.html- “Kennedia Coccinea.” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/kennedia/kennedia-coccinea.htm- “Kennedia Coccinea.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a780
