Coral Vine Kennedia coccinea
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Coral Vine has a striking appearance. It is characterized by its profuse coral-red pea-like flowers that grow in clusters. These clusters of flowers create a vibrant display that can add a splash of color to any garden setting. The leaves are another notable feature of this plant; they are typically trifoliate, meaning each leaf is composed of three leaflets. These leaflets are usually a deep, glossy green that contrast beautifully against the brightness of the flowers. The overall foliage of the Coral Vine has a lush and full appearance, providing a rich backdrop for the blossoms. The plant bears a twining habit, suggesting that it can use other structures or plants for support as it grows. This can result in a draped or cascading effect as the stems intertwine and spread. Overall, the Coral Vine's appearance is eye-catching due to its bright bloom color and attractive foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Coral Vine, Coral Pea, Scarlet Runner, Red Kennedy Pea
Common names
Kennedia coccinea.
ToxicityTo humans
Kennedia coccinea, commonly known as the Coral Vine, is not widely reported to be toxic to humans; however, there is limited information available on the toxicity of all parts of this plant. As with many plants, it is possible that some individuals may experience allergic reactions or mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. It is always advisable to avoid eating any part of a plant unless it is known to be safe for human consumption.
To pets
The Coral Vine, or Kennedia coccinea, is not widely documented to be toxic to pets, but there is minimal information available regarding its effects if ingested by animals. While particular toxicity symptoms are not well-documented, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not verified as safe. If a pet does ingest part of the plant, monitoring for any signs of illness and consulting a veterinarian is important, as some plants may cause mild to severe gastrointestinal upset or other reactions in animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscaping: Kennedia coccinea, commonly known as Coral Vine, is used in landscaping for its ornamental value, providing vibrant red flowers that can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Erosion control: The plant can be utilized for erosion control due to its robust root system that stabilizes the soil, particularly in sloped areas and banks.
- Nitrogen fixation: As a member of the legume family, Coral Vine can fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Habitat for wildlife: It provides habitat and food for various local wildlife species, including nectar for bees and butterflies which aids in pollination.
- Drought tolerance: Kennedia coccinea is known for its drought tolerance, making it suitable for regions with water scarcity or for low-water gardening practices.
- Shade provision: When grown over arbors or trellises, Coral Vine provides shade in garden areas, creating cooler micro-climates during hot weather.
- Fast growth: Coral Vine exhibits fast growth, which is beneficial for quick garden coverage and achieving mature landscaping in a relatively short period.
- Soil improvement: By adding organic matter through leaf litter and root decay, this plant can help improve soil structure and fertility over time.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Soil stabilization: The dense growth habit of Coral Vine can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Natural fencing: Due to its vigorous climbing ability, Coral Vine can be trained on fences, creating a living screen that provides privacy and aesthetic value.
- Butterfly attraction: Coral Vine is known to attract butterflies, making it useful for creating butterfly gardens or enhancing biodiversity in a landscaped area.
- Culinary use: In some cultures, young shoots and leaves of the Coral Vine are sometimes consumed as a vegetable, although not widely practiced.
- Dye production: The bright red flowers of the Coral Vine may be used in the extraction of natural dyes for coloring fabrics or crafts.
- Bee forage: Coral Vine provides a source of nectar for bees, hence it can be included in gardens to support bee populations and pollination.
- Tannin extraction: Parts of the Coral Vine can be used for tannin extraction, which has applications in tanning leather or as a mordant in dyeing processes.
- Eco-friendly craft material: The vine's stems can be dried and woven into eco-friendly craft items such as baskets and decorations.
- Habitat enrichment: Planting Coral Vine in a wildlife garden can add complexity to the habitat, supporting various insects and birds.
- Education and awareness: Coral Vine, with its distinctive red flowers, can be used for educational purposes, such as teaching about plant growth habits and pollinator attraction.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coral Vine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coral Vine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Scarlet Runner Bean, as Kennedia coccinea is commonly known, is able to thrive in tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand adversities.
- Growth: This plant grows quickly and vigorously, representing personal growth and expansion.
- Protection: In some cultures, vines are considered to offer protection, and so the Scarlet Runner Bean may also be associated with safeguarding individuals from harm.
WaterCoral Vine, or Kennedia coccinea, prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once every week or two, depending on climate conditions such as temperature and humidity. Use a gentle stream of water to soak the soil around the plant until you see excess water begin to drain from the bottom of the pot, which could be around 1 to 2 gallons for a medium-sized outdoor plant. During the hot summer months, watering frequency should be increased to ensure consistent soil moisture. Decrease watering in the winter when the plant is dormant and might need as little as half a gallon every couple of weeks.
LightThe Coral Vine thrives best in a position where it receives full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in very hot climates, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense heat.
TemperatureThe Coral Vine performs well in temperate conditions and can tolerate temperatures ranging from about 30°F to 85°F. It is essential to protect it from frost, as temperatures below freezing can damage the plant. The ideal temperature range for thriving growth is between 60°F to 75°F.
PruningPruning the Coral Vine stimulates growth and maintains a desired shape. It is best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune as needed to remove dead or damaged branches and to control the plant's size. It is often sufficient to prune once a year, but vigorous growth may require additional light pruning during the growing season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilFor the Coral Pea, the ideal soil mix is well-draining with a slight acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.5. Incorporate organic compost and a course material like perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. Regular garden soil can be improved by adding native soil conditioners to match the plant's natural habitat requirements.
RepottingThe Coral Pea does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted every two to three years, or if it has outgrown its current pot. Make sure to use a pot that allows for sufficient drainage and is only slightly larger than the previous one to prevent water-logging.
Humidity & MistingThe Coral Pea thrives best in moderate humidity levels, mirroring its native Australian environment. Too high humidity may encourage fungal diseases, so aim for a humidity level around 40-50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and well-drained soil mix.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from severe frost.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleKennedia coccinea, commonly known as the Coral Vine or Scarlet Runner, begins its life cycle with germination, which occurs after its hard-coated seeds are scarified and exposed to moisture. Once germinated, the young seedlings establish a root system and produce a pair of cotyledons (seed leaves), which provides energy for the growing plant. As the vine matures, it develops true leaves and rapidly elongates, often climbing or sprawling with the help of tendrils. The plant then enters the flowering stage, where bright red, pea-like flowers bloom, mainly in spring and summer, attracting pollinators which are crucial for fertilization. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods that mature and eventually release seeds, completing the cycle. The plant's ability to fix nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its roots allows it to thrive in poor soils, contributing to its vigorous growth and prolific seed production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Coral Pea is by seed. Before sowing, the hard seed coat needs to be softened to allow for water penetration, a process known as scarification. This can be accomplished by filing a small area on the seed or by soaking the seeds in hot water, around 180 °F (approximately 82 °C), and leaving them to soak as the water cools for several hours or overnight. Once the seeds have swollen, they can be sown about 1 inch (2.54 cm) deep in a well-draining seed-raising mix. Seeds typically germinate within two to three weeks. After the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are robust enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground, depending on the climate and time of year.
