The genus name is sometimes spelled Kennedya, but Kennedia is correct.
Species
This genus has 15 recognised species and one provisional species.
Recognised
Kennedia beckxiana —. One of several Western Australiaendemics. It flowers between September and December, producing red flowers with green centres.
Kennedia carinata — Endemic to southwestern Western Australia, this species produces red to purple flowers with yellow centres between September and November.
Kennedia coccinea —. A species endemic to southwestern Western Australia. It spreads to over 3 meters and flowers from September to November. The flowers are yellow-centred with pale red petals edged with magenta.
Kennedia exaltata — Queensland.
Kennedia eximia
Kennedia glabrata —. Another species endemic to southwestern Western Australia. It flowers between August and November and has red flowers. It is listed as vulnerable under Australia's EPBC Act.
Kennedia lateritia
Kennedia microphylla
Kennedia nigricans —. This robust Western Australian species spreads over 18 square metres and is used to cover fences and sheds. The black and yellow flowers bloom from October to January.
Kennedia procurrens —. A species of Queensland and New South Wales that grows on sandy soils. It produces purple flowers from the late southern winter into summer.
Kennedia prorepens — Found in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it produces purple, violet and blue flowers between April and November.
Kennedia prostrata —. A widespread species found in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. It flowers sparsely in red and yellow blooms. The leaves have distinctive wavy edges.
Kennedia retrorsa — A species limited to the Mount Dangar area and the adjacent Goulburn River catchment in New South Wales. It flowers from September to December producing pink, purple, or scarlet flowers. It is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act.
Kennedia rubicunda —. A widespread species from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It produces pink flowers from late winter into spring.
Kennedia stirlingii —. A Western Australian species with orange to red flowers between August and November.
Provisional
Kennedia macrophylla — found in Western Australia, this species flowers best in shaded area with yellow and pink flowers.
Cultivation
Kennedias are frost-tolerant with a preference for light, well-drained soil in full sun. Once established they will spread into shaded areas. Western Australian species are heat-tolerant and make good covers for sheds, fences and walls with support. Many kennedias are vigorous climbers; K. rubicunda and K. nigricans can cover up to five metres of wall from tube in nine months. The most popular species in cultivation, K. prostrata, is a much less vigorous groundcoverplant. They are propagated from seed during spring; in the warmer summer months they are easily propagated from cuttings. This robust genus can be heavily cut back after flowering to prevent invasive growth.
