Picture of a Cockies Tongue plant

Cockies Tongue / Coral Bush

Templetonia retusa, commonly known as Cockies Tongue or Coral Bush, is a tough Australian shrub known for its bright red, bird-attracting flowers. It's well-suited to coastal and arid landscapes and is a great choice for low-maintenance native gardens.

  • Botanical name: Templetonia retusa
  • Form: Dense, rounded shrub
  • Height: 1-2.5 metres
  • Foliage: Thick, leathery, oval-shaped leaves
  • Flowers: Bright red, pea-shaped; bloom in late winter to spring
  • Attracts: Birds and pollinators
  • Ideal for: Native hedges, coastal and drought-prone gardens