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Epacris impressa
common heath
Overview
Epacris impressa, the common heath, is a slender, erect evergreen shrub of the heath family from southeastern Australia, and the floral emblem of Victoria. It grows 12-40 inches (30-100 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide, with thin, wiry stems clothed in small, stiff, sharply pointed leaves about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-16 mm) long. From late autumn into spring the upper stems are lined with rows of pendent tubular flowers 0.4-0.8 inch (10-20 mm) long, in colors ranging from white through pink to deep crimson on different plants. The tube shape and rich nectar draw honeyeaters and insects. E. impressa grows in heathland, open forest, and rocky sites on acidic, sandy, sharply drained soil and tolerates poor ground and coastal exposure. It is sensitive to root disturbance, lime, and waterlogging, and can be short-lived and slow to re-establish if moved. The narrow habit and long flowering season have made it a long-grown garden plant in southern Australia, though it needs acidic soil and steady drainage to persist.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, including Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia. It grows in heathland, dry sclerophyll forest, and rocky outcrops on acidic, sandy soils, from the coast to the foothills.Suggested Uses
Grown in native and heath gardens, rockeries, and containers of acidic mix in mild climates. The winter flowers support honeyeaters and other nectar feeders. Cut flowering stems last well in the vase.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'4"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs through the cool months, from about May to October in its native range, peaking in winter and early spring. The pendent tubular flowers are pollinated by honeyeaters and insects seeking nectar. A single plant can flower for many weeks, and color varies between white, pink, and red forms.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, pink, to crimsonFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants need an acidic, sandy, sharply drained soil and a position in full sun to light shade. Water is needed to establish young plants and during dry spells, but the roots rot in heavy or waterlogged ground. Lime and rich fertilizers harm the plant, so feeding is kept light and limited to low-phosphorus types. It is hardy in mild, frost-light climates around USDA zones 9 to 10 and is damaged by hard freezes. Mulching keeps the shallow roots cool and evenly moist. Plants are sensitive to root disturbance and are tricky to transplant once settled.Pruning
A light trim after flowering keeps the shrub bushy and removes spent flowering wood. Cutting back into old leafless stems is slow to reshoot. Tip-pruning young plants encourages denser growth.Pruning Schedule
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F
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spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons