# Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata)

Australian native seed packet from Native Seed Co.

- Price: A$12.00 per 1 packet, AUD incl. GST
- Availability: in stock
- Shop page: https://www.nativeseedco.org/product/538
- SKU: NSC-538
- Packet contents: approx. 30 seeds

Running Postman is a vigorous prostrate groundcover bearing vivid scarlet pea flowers with a yellow blotch. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it trails up to 2m wide and supports native birds and pollinators.

Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata) is a vigorous, prostrate groundcover native to all Australian states. It belongs to the Fabaceae (pea) family and is beloved for its striking scarlet flowers with a distinctive yellow blotch at the base. Growing as a low, spreading plant that trails along the ground, it can cover an area of 1-2 metres wide while staying just 10-15 cm tall.

## Growing specifications

- Origin: Southern Australia — WA, SA, Victoria, Tasmania and NSW
- Form: groundcover (short-lived perennial); height 10 cm; spread 1–2 m
- Sun: full sun or part shade
- Soil: sandy, loam, gravel
- Drought tolerance: high
- Frost: hardy
- Coastal / salt tolerant: no
- Suited climates: temperate, mediterranean, cool temperate
- Flowering season: winter, spring
- Sowing season: autumn, spring
- Germination: 14–30 days
- Seed pre-treatment: hot water soak
- Attracts: native bees, butterflies, birds
- Garden uses: groundcover, embankments, pots, under-planting
- Notes: A trailing pea that knits over banks and spills from pots. Hot-water soak the seed before sowing.

## Highlights

- Vivid scarlet pea flowers on spreading stems
- Fast-spreading groundcover, trails up to 2m
- Hardy and drought-tolerant once established
- Attracts birds and supports native pollinators

## How to sow

1. Scarify seeds or soak in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
2. Sow seeds 5mm deep in well-draining native potting mix.
3. Keep soil moist until germination (14-30 days).
4. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle, spacing 50-80 cm apart.
5. Choose a sunny to partly shaded position with good drainage.

## Care

- Water regularly while establishing, then reduce to occasional deep watering.
- Tolerates a range of soils including sandy, loamy, and clay soils with good drainage.
- Apply a light native fertiliser in spring to encourage vigorous growth.
- Trim back if it spreads too far - it responds well to pruning.
- Makes an excellent groundcover for erosion control on banks and slopes.

Markdown version of https://www.nativeseedco.org/product/538. Catalogue index: https://www.nativeseedco.org/llms.txt