Running-Postman: A Spectacular Red Groundcover for Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re looking for a show-stopping groundcover that practically screams look at me! then running-postman (Kennedia prostrata) might just be your new garden hero. This Australian native doesn’t just crawl along the ground—it puts on a dazzling display of scarlet-red flowers that’ll make your neighbors stop and stare.
What Makes Running-Postman Special?
Also known as scarlet coral-pea, running-postman belongs to the pea family and lives up to its dramatic common names. The plant produces stunning scarlet-red flowers with distinctive black centers that create an almost flag-like appearance. These eye-catching blooms appear primarily in spring and can continue sporadically throughout the growing season, creating waves of color across your landscape.
Where Does It Come From?
Running-postman is native to Australia, where it naturally occurs across Western Australia and South Australia. In its homeland, you’ll find it carpeting coastal areas, woodland edges, and open spaces where it has evolved to thrive in challenging conditions.
Why Consider Growing Running-Postman?
This vigorous groundcover offers several compelling reasons to earn a spot in your garden:
- Spectacular visual impact with its bright red flowers and contrasting black centers
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes and banks
- Drought-tolerant once established, perfect for water-wise gardening
- Attracts beneficial pollinators, especially native bees
- Low-maintenance once mature
- Fast-spreading coverage for large areas
Perfect Garden Settings
Running-postman shines in specific garden styles and situations. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Native Australian gardens and Mediterranean-style landscapes
- Coastal gardens where salt tolerance is important
- Drought-tolerant and xeriscape designs
- Slope stabilization and erosion control projects
- Large-scale groundcover installations
Growing Conditions and Care
The good news is that running-postman isn’t particularly fussy once you understand its preferences. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, though it flowers best with plenty of morning sun
Soil: Well-draining soils are essential. It prefers sandy or loamy soils and won’t tolerate waterlogged conditions
Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from regular watering during the first growing season
Climate: Best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, as it’s frost-tender and prefers warm climates
Planting and Establishment Tips
Getting your running-postman off to a strong start sets the stage for years of colorful performance:
- Plant in spring after the last frost has passed
- Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for natural spreading
- Water regularly for the first 6-12 months until roots are well-established
- Apply a light mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Once established, reduce watering frequency but provide deep, occasional irrigation during extended dry periods
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
One of running-postman’s best qualities is its low-maintenance nature. Here’s how to keep it looking its best:
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushier growth and control spread
- Remove any dead or damaged growth as needed
- Monitor for overwatering, which can lead to root rot
- Allow natural spreading, but trim back if it encroaches on other plants
Important Considerations
While running-postman can be a fantastic addition to the right garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. Its vigorous spreading nature means it can outcompete smaller plants, so give it room to roam or be prepared to manage its growth. Additionally, gardeners in cooler climates may find it challenging to grow, as it prefers warm, Mediterranean-like conditions.
For those outside its native range, consider whether local native groundcovers might be more appropriate for supporting local ecosystems while providing similar aesthetic benefits.
The Bottom Line
Running-postman offers dramatic color, low maintenance, and excellent coverage for gardeners in warm climates. If you have the right growing conditions and space for a vigorous groundcover, this Australian native can transform your landscape with its spectacular red blooms and reliable performance. Just remember to give it room to run—after all, it’s called running-postman for a reason!
