Brachyloma spp.
Brush-heath
Overview
Brachyloma is a genus of about twelve to fourteen evergreen shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae), endemic to Australia and formerly placed in the family Epacridaceae. Species occur across southern and eastern Australia in heathland, sandy coastal scrub, and dry sclerophyll woodland. The plants are small to medium shrubs 8 inches to 6.5 feet (0.2 to 2 m) tall, with rigid, small leaves 0.1 to 0.6 inch (3 to 15 mm) long arranged along wiry stems. The flowers are tubular, 0.1 to 0.3 inch (3 to 8 mm) long, white to cream or pink, with a band of hairs inside the tube, and are borne singly or in short spikes in the leaf axils. Flowering occurs mainly from winter into spring. The fruit is a small dry drupe. Brachyloma grows in nutrient-poor, sharply drained acidic sands and tolerates extended dry periods once established, but is intolerant of waterlogging and high soil phosphorus. Like many Australian heaths, it is seldom cultivated outside its native range and can be slow to establish.
Native Range
Brachyloma is endemic to Australia, distributed across the southern and eastern states from coastal heath to inland sandy woodland. Several species are concentrated in southeastern Australia and in the southwest of Western Australia.Suggested Uses
Grown in native, coastal, and water-wise gardens, in rockeries, and in heathland-style plantings within its native range. Lower species suit groundcover and rockery pockets, while taller species form light informal screens. Spacing of 24 to 48 inches (60 to 120 cm) suits most forms.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 6'8"
Width/Spread8" - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to cream or pinkFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight