Scientific Name: KENNEDIA prostrata
Common Name: Red Runner
Alternative Common Name: Running Postman, Red Flag, Scarlet Runner
Family: Fabaceae
Height: Ground level
Width: Up to 1.5m (5′)
Description: An attractive perennial groundcover with thick mass of heart-shaped, soft green leaves.
Flowers: Brilliant scarlet pea-flowers over a long period during spring and summer.
Soil: Prefers light to medium, well-drained soils. Can adapt to other soil types.
Aspects: Hardy, adaptable perennial. Easy to grow from seed. Drought and frost resistant. Grows well in an open, sunny position – full sun to part shade.
Habitat: A widespread species in southern Australia from south Western Australia to north-east New South Wales. It occurs in a variety of habitats including open forest, woodland, grasslands and heath.
Growing: Sow in warm areas anytime. In frost prone areas after danger of frost is over. Soak seeds in a cup of hot water. Add Wildflower Seed Starter granules. Leave overnight then drain. Fill small pots or trays with moist sandy soil and compress. Sow 2-3 swollen seeds 6mm (¼”) deep. Keep moist and cover with clear polythene. Place in warm, shaded position.
Landscape: Groundcover for open gardens, rockeries, along garden walls or, for a cascading effect, in large, deep pots or tubs.
Cultivation: Germination takes 1-8 weeks. Thin out to the best seedling in each pot and plant out into permanent position when about 8cm (3″) high. Water in well and regularly until established. Protect from snails. Use light application of low phosphate organic fertiliser.
Seed Starter Required: Recommended.
