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Spanish Heath

Spanish Heath
Photo: Jackie Miles
Invasive Plant
Spanish Heath
Erica lusitanica
 

This fast growing, long-lived, erect woody shrub grows to 2 m high. It is densely covered in green needle-like leaves and produces masses of pendulous pink-white flowers between the leaves singly or in clusters. It can produce millions of tiny seeds that can rapidly spread along roadsides and drainage lines via water, wind and machinery invading coastal woodland, grassland, heathland, forests and riparian vegetation.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Tolerates drought, grazing and trampling by animals.
  • Roots readily sucker and spread.
  • Seeds are spread by wind, water, soil, machinery and dumped garden refuse.
  • Seeds remain viable in the soil for many years.
 
 
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Alternative Plants

Common Heath
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Common Heath
Epacris impressa
Trees and Shrubs
 

A slender, upright shrub to 1 m with tubular flowers from late autumn to late spring. Densely packed flowers up to 25 mm long are arranged singly in the leaf axils around the stem and assume a cylindrical brush-like appearance. Common Heath has many colour forms including pure white, pale pink, rose pink, crimson, scarlet and rare double flowered forms. The pink form is proclaimed as Victoria's floral emblem.

Paynes Thryptomene
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Paynes Thryptomene
Thryptomene saxicola 'Paynes Hybrid'
Trees and Shrubs
 

A small, hardy, evergreen shrub to 1 m that has aromatic foliage. It has masses of dainty, pale-pink flowers which are borne along branches throughout winter and spring. Ideal in cottage gardens and as an informal hedge. Sought after in floral arrangements.

Wild Fuschia
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Wild Fuschia
Correa species and cultivars
Trees and Shrubs
 

Native evergreen shrubs ranging in size from prostrate to medium in size and form. Most Correas flower from winter to spring and are favourites of nectar-seeking birds. Some have bell-shaped flowers while others are tubular with protruding stamens. Most Correas are drought and frost hardy. They require well-drained soil and prefer full-sun. Some species flower in semi shade.

 
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