Correa Plant Care

Correa (Coriaria kingiana) belongs to the Coriariaceae family within the Coriaria genus. Correa is native to the North Island. Correa is also known as Tutu.

Correa displays a spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Correa produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Correa every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Correa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Coriaria kingiana tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Correa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Correa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Correa every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Correa is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Correa can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Correa while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Correa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Correa can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to myrtle-leaved coriaria plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Correa is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Correa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Correa is native to the North Island. In cooler regions, grow Correa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.