Family: Epacridaceae
Common Name: Five corners, golden heath

These 14 species of low, heath-like shnibs are native to Australia. They have stiff, prickly, pointed leaves and pretty, bell-shaped flowers which generally appear in summer. They have recurved, tubular flowers, hairy inside, with long stamens. S. tubiflora was one of the first Australian plants to be grown in Europe. These small, ornamental shrubs are suitable as garden plants, or for growing in rockeries and pots. In frost-prone areas, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

S. adscendens, golden heath, is low and spreading, with grayish green, toothed leaves and greenish yellow flowers.

S. longifolia is a small, erect shrub with spear-shaped leaves and green and yellow flowers with pointed calyces.

S. triflora, five corners, is a dwarf shrub with grayish green foliage and pink to red flowers, with yellow lobes and calyces and pink bracts.

S. tubiflora, red five corners, is an attractive species with small, flat leaves and long, crimson flowers with green, fringed bracts.

S. viridis, green five corners, has blunt leaves and green flowers with short, smooth lobes.

Cultivation

In the greenhouse, grow in pots of acid, soilless potting compost. Provide light, airy conditions. Avoid overwatering, especially in winter. In the garden, plant in a sunny position in acid to neutral, well-drained soil, containing plenty of humus. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, in a warm propagating case.

Climate

Zone 9 to 10.