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| Category: Vine |
| Family: Fabaceae = Pea Family |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange & Pink |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: Climbing (Vine) |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Kennedia coccinea (Coral Vine) - A vigorous climber to 6 to 8 feet tall or a trailing groundcover that comes from the southwest of Western Australia. It has trifoliate leaves with rounded 1 inch long green leaflets and from winter through spring appear the ½- ¾ inch wide pea-shaped flowers that are a riot of color with an ornage u pright petal (the standard) that has a yellow basal blotch at the base and bright pink lower petals (wings and keel). Plant in full coastal sun or light to dappled shade. It is adapted to well-drained acidic soils and does best in similar situations in cultivation but can tolerate heavier soils so long as they are well drained. It appreciates its moisture in winter and spring but only occasionally in hotter months and tolerates light frosts but will often resprout from the roots if knocked back hard by a hard frost - should remain evergreen to around 28 degrees F and be root hardy to below 20 degrees F. This showy vine is particularly good in dry shade and also makes a good container plant, especially if pruned when young to promote a denser plant. Needs to be tied to a support to climb. Coral Vine is noted as one of the most florifereous of the Kennedia species, which was named for Lewis Kennedy, a 18-19th century British nurseryman. This specific epithet 'coccinea', is Latin for "scarlet", as one form of this plant has flowers of this color. This species was first introduced into England in 1845. This picture courtesy of Australian Native Plant Nursery. Though very attractive this plant seemed too short lived and we have discontinured growing it.
The information about Kennedia coccinea displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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