Kennedia prostrata

Kennedia prostrata or running postman is a beautiful, vigorous ground cover or twining plant with brilliantly-coloured red flowers.

Being a member of the Fabaceae family, it has the typical pea flowers which are adapted for pollination by insects, especially native bees, wasps, butterflies and even birds.

It has a spread from 1.5 to 3 metres and has leathery green leaves.  As well as a groundcover, it can be used for hanging baskets, to spill over retaining walls or on a trellis or fence. It is a tough, low-maintenance Australian native plant that adapts well to garden conditions, is highly waterwise and drought-hardy. Once fully established it negates the need for mulch, which means it is perfect for a low maintenance garden.

Kennedia prostrata was named in 1805 after a London-based nurseryman, John Kennedy, renowned for growing exotic plants, including Australian species.

Kennedia prostrata flowers from winter to summer and can be found in the Kings Park bushland and in parts of the Botanic Garden. Why not join us on one of our seasonal guided walks in the bushland, where you might catch sight of a running postman!