Grow Me Instead Grow Me Instead
Skip Navigation Links

Spanish Heath

Spanish Heath
Photo: Jackie Miles
Invasive Plant
Spanish Heath
Erica lusitanica, Erica baccans, Erica arborea
 

These fast-growing long-lived erect woody shrubs grows to 2 m high. They are densely covered in green needle-like leaves and produce masses of pendulous pink-white flowers between the leaves singly or in clusters. They 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. Berry Heath (Erica baccans) is a new invader of bushland in the Mt. Lofty Ranges.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Tolerates drought, grazing, slashing and trampling.
  • Roots readily sucker and spread.
  • Seeds spread by wind, water, soil, machinery and dumped garden refuse.
  • Seeds remain viable in the soil for many years.
 
 
Grow Me Instead
 

Additional suggested alternative: Wilson's honey-myrtle (Melaleuca wilsonii), may bush (Spiraea cantoniensis), bottlebrush species and cultivars (Callistemon), bacon and egg plant (Eutaxia obovata), Common eutaxia (Eutaxia microphylla), Grevillea cultivars.

 

Alternative Plants

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

Native evergreen shrubs ranging in size from prostrate to medium in size and form. Most Correa species flower from winter to spring and are favourites of nectar-seeking birds. Some have bell-shaped flowers while others have tubular flowers with protruding stamens. Many flower colours are available including red, pink, orange, cream and green. Most Correas are drought and frost hardy. They require well-draine soil and prefer full-sun. Some species flower in semi-shade.

Eriostemon
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Eriostemon
Philotheca myoporoides (Syn. Eriostemon myoporoides)
Trees and Shrubs
 

This hardy shrub grows to 2 m high. Its mid-green leaves are pleasantly aromatic when crushed. Pale pink buds open to waxy, white flowers in winter to late spring. Grows well in full-sun to part-shade and can withstand extended dry periods once established. They can be used as a hedge and are particularly attractive as cut flowers.

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.

 
Grow Me Instead