Styphelia spp.
Five-corners
Overview
Styphelia is a large genus of evergreen shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae, subfamily Styphelioideae), native mainly to Australia, with the genus broadened to include many species once placed in related epacrid genera. Known as five-corners and by other local names, the plants range from low, spreading shrubs to upright forms 1-8 feet (0.3-2.4 m) tall, with small, stiff, often sharply pointed leaves crowded along the stems. The tubular flowers, 0.4-1.2 inches (10-30 mm) long, hang in the leaf axils in red, green, yellow, cream, or pink, with five lobes that roll back to expose a tuft of protruding, bearded stamens and a long style. Small fruits follow. Styphelia grows on sandy, gravelly, acidic, low-nutrient soils in heath, scrub, and open woodland, in full sun to light shade. Like other Australian heaths it is phosphorus-sensitive, intolerant of root disturbance, and needs sharp drainage. Nectar-feeding birds visit the tubular flowers. Many species are slow and uneven to establish, and can be short-lived in cultivation away from their native soils.
Native Range
Styphelia is native mainly to Australia, occurring across many states in heath, coastal scrub, and dry sclerophyll woodland, with a few species extending to New Caledonia and the wider region. It grows on sandy and gravelly, acidic, low-nutrient soils.Suggested Uses
Styphelia is used in native, heath, and rockery gardens and sandy low-nutrient borders in mild, frost-free to lightly frosted 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
Height1' - 8'
Width/Spread1' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering varies among species but is concentrated in autumn, winter, and spring, with some bloom much of the year in mild areas. The tubular flowers hang singly in the leaf axils and are rich in nectar. Nectar-feeding birds visit them through the flowering season.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red, pink, green, yellow, or creamFoliage 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
Styphelia requires sharp drainage and acidic, sandy or gravelly, low-nutrient soil, in full sun to light shade. Water needs are low once established, though plants will not tolerate waterlogging or rich, fertilized ground. Phosphorus-sensitive like many Australian Ericaceae, it can decline if fed standard fertilizers. Soil pH should be acidic, roughly 4.5 to 6.0. Plants are frost tender to lightly frost hardy and suit mild, Mediterranean to subtropical climates. Establishment from seed or cuttings is slow and uneven, and plants transplant poorly.Pruning
Pruning needs are minimal. A light tip prune after flowering keeps the habit dense, but cutting into bare old wood is avoided because these heaths reshoot poorly from leafless stems. Only dead or damaged growth is otherwise removed.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons