Stenanthera spp.
Overview
Stenanthera spp. is a small genus of low evergreen shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae, subfamily Styphelioideae), native to eastern Australia. The plants were formerly placed in the family Epacridaceae and are closely related to Astroloma spp. and Styphelia spp., with which they share a heath-like habit. They grow 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall with a low, spreading to mounded form and wiry stems. The leaves are small, narrow, and stiff with a sharp point, crowded along the stems in the manner typical of southern-hemisphere heaths. Tubular flowers 0.4-0.8 inch (10-20 mm) long appear singly in the leaf axils, colored red, orange, or yellow, with a slender corolla tube flaring into five short lobes. Flowering occurs mainly through winter and spring. Small fleshy fruits follow. Stenanthera spp. grows on sandy, acidic, low-nutrient soils in heathland and open woodland, tolerating exposure and seasonal dryness. Like many Australian heaths, it is sensitive to phosphorus, root disturbance, and prolonged wet soil, and can be short-lived and hard to establish away from its native conditions.
Native Range
Stenanthera spp. is native to eastern Australia, where it occurs in heathland, coastal scrub, and open eucalypt woodland. It grows on sandy and gravelly acidic soils that are low in nutrients.Suggested Uses
Stenanthera spp. is used in native and heath gardens, rockeries, and sandy low-nutrient borders in frost-free to mild regions. Its tubular flowers feature in plantings aimed at attracting nectar-feeding birds. It suits containers of free-draining acidic mix where garden soils are unsuitable.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red to orange or yellowFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Stenanthera spp. requires sharp drainage and acidic, low-nutrient, sandy or gravelly soil, and grows in full sun to light shade. Water needs are low once established, though plants will not tolerate prolonged waterlogging or rich, fertilized ground. Phosphorus-sensitive like many Ericaceae from Australia, it can decline if fed standard fertilizers. Soil pH should be acidic, roughly 4.5 to 6.0. Plants are frost tender to only lightly frost hardy and suit mild, Mediterranean to subtropical climates. Establishment from seed or cuttings is slow and uneven.Pruning
Pruning needs are minimal. A light tip prune after flowering keeps the low form dense, but cutting into bare old wood is avoided because these heaths reshoot poorly from leafless stems. Remove only dead or damaged growth otherwise.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons