Templetonia retusa (Cocky’s Tongue)
8 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.
I have one of these plants, this year it has been covered in flowers what a beautiful sight, thinking of getting another one. [South Australia,] I had caterpillars in it last year and sprayed it with fly spray, and to my surprise it came back with a lovely show. I recommend this for native garden does not need to be watered often.
I have it growing in Canberra. SUrvives the winter but early flowers can be burnt by frost. IT will strike from cuttings
i have this plant would like to grow some from seed, do you have to do anything in particular to the seed before sowing?
6 weeks ago I planted one of these but I fear it is not growing at all. The leaves are folding inward. Is there something I should do to encourage growth or is it just a matter of time . Appreciate any suggestions I don’t want it to die.
I live in the wheatbelt in Western Australia and it can get very cold in winter. I have 5 Cocky’s Tongue in a pot and wondering when will be the best time to put them in the ground, end winter/spring or now, thank you.