Templetonia retusa, commonly known as Cockies’ Tongues, is an evergreen shrub native to the coastal dunes, limestone cliffs, and arid scrublands of Southern Australia. It typically grows to a height and width of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters). The plant has a rounded habit with thick, leathery leaves that are 15–40 millimeters (0.6–1.6 inches) long and 7–25 mm (0.3–1.0 inches) wide. Its vibrant red pea-like flowers, which are 25–40 mm (1.0–1.6 inches) long, bloom from late winter to early spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Templetonia retusa is valued for its drought tolerance and striking red flowers, which make it a popular choice for water-wise gardens, coastal plantings, and as a feature shrub in xeriscaped areas. It is also used to attract wildlife, as its flowers are a food source for nectar-feeding birds. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils, preferably sandy or loamy. It is well-suited to low-maintenance gardens due to its low water needs once established. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0