Cockies Tongue– Templetonia retusa
Features: Native | Drought Tolerant | Coastal Hardy | Bird Attracting | Evergreen | Legume Family
Height: 1–2 m Spread: 1.5–2 m
A hardy, long-lived native shrub with distinctive deep red, pea-shaped flowers that appear from winter to spring, attracting nectar-feeding birds. Templetonia retusa has leathery, dark green leaves and a dense, rounded form, making it ideal for coastal plantings, native gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Excellent for erosion control and thrives in poor soils.
Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to part shade. Very tolerant of dry, windy, and coastal conditions.
Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or limestone soils. Tolerates poor or rocky soils.
Special Features: Bird-attracting red flowers, excellent coastal and drought-hardy shrub, ideal for low-water landscapes.
