Epacris are found on the east coast of Australia from southern Queensland to Tasmania and across to South Australia.
With about 40 species in the genus this is a native plant that offers a lot of variety for gardeners. They are generally upright, low growing shrubs from .2m to 2.5m, most under 1.5m.
Commonly called heaths, and they are related, they are also found in New Zealand.
It is mainly the Australian species that have found use as garden plants, colourful flowers and good foliage they come in a variety of forms.
Attractive both to birds and insects they make good garden plants adding colour during the winter months which is always welcome.
Epacris Varieties
With around 40 species native to Australia, varieties differ. Some have tubular flowers, some not, foliage also differs as does flower colour..
- E. longifolia (pictured right) is know as the Native fuchsia and Fuchsia Heath, red flowers tipped with white.
- E. impressa (bega), has shorter red tubular flowers while E. pulchella, is known as the coral heath, the white flowering form (bottom picture).
- E. reclinata or ‘Fuchsia Heath’ is a very popular form.
- E. pulchella has white star like flowers.
- E. calvertiana varies in colour from white to dusky pink with white tips.
- E. petrophila is known as the ‘Snow heath’ white flowering.
- E. longiflora x reclinata ‘Pan Pipes’ isa popular hybrid
- E.purpurescens var.purpurescens – Look for the dark pink form for outstanding colour.
How To Grow Epacris – Basic Care
With species comimg from different climates mainly along the east coast of Australia growing conditions do differ. As a guidline :
- Soil – Humus rich well drained
- Position – Full sun to light afternoon shade
- Pruning – Prune lightly after flowering
- Mulch to maintain a cool root run.
- Water through the first summer.
- Low phosphate fertiliser in spring.
- Use as a rock garden plant or in the garden border.
- They are frost tolerant.
- Other Notes – Epacris do not like root disturbance, so do not cultivate around plants. They are difficult to transplant.
Although promoted as garden plants, many varieties are also well suited to container growing.
