Running Postman: A Colourful Aussie Groundcover
Pros and Cons of Kennedia prostrata
The Running Postman, known botanically as Kennedia prostrata, is a vibrant Australian native groundcover recognised for its trailing habit and bright red pea-shaped flowers. Found across southern parts of Australia, it is a popular choice for native gardens, rockeries, embankments, hanging baskets, and areas where a low-growing plant is needed to soften edges or cover bare ground.
The genus Kennedia consists of around 16 species, all of which are Australian endemics and all are either climbing or trailing plants. Some, such as K.retrorsa and K.nigricans, are extremely vigorous climbers. K.prostrata, on the other hand, is a non-climbing species which grows as a scrambling ground cover to about 2.5 metres in diameter. The leaves are grey-green and divided into three leaflets, a characteristic of the genus. The leaves are about 5 – 25 mm in diameter with undulating margins.
Pros of Running Postman
- Attractive Flowers: Running Postman produces striking red pea-shaped flowers, often from winter through spring and summer, adding strong colour to native gardens.
- Useful Groundcover: Its spreading, trailing growth makes it ideal for covering bare soil, spilling over retaining walls, growing in hanging baskets, or softening garden edges.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it is generally hardy and can tolerate dry conditions, making it a practical option for many Australian gardens.
- Wildlife Friendly: The flowers can attract native insects and butterflies, helping support biodiversity in the garden.
Cons of Running Postman
- Needs Good Drainage: Running Postman dislikes waterlogged soil and may struggle or rot if planted in heavy, poorly drained areas.
- Can Die Back in Dry Periods: During extended dry conditions, it may die back to the root system before reshooting when conditions improve.
- May Need Space: Although low-growing, it can spread widely, so it needs enough room or occasional trimming to keep it tidy in smaller gardens.
In summary, Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata) is a colourful, hardy native groundcover that suits many Aussie gardens, especially where a trailing or spreading plant is wanted. While it offers strong visual appeal and wildlife benefits, it performs best in well-drained soil and may need some space and occasional care to stay looking its best.
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