Common Heath

Samples of Common Heath, Epacris impressa, were first collected in Tasmania in 1793. The pink form of Common Heath was declared the floral emblem of Victoria in 1958.

The generic ‘epacris’ is from the Greek for ‘upon a hill and ‘impressa’ is Latin for ‘indented’, referring to the five dimples in the petals of the flower.

Common Heath is not only found ‘upon a hill’. Maybe the first few specimens collected were from hillsides, but in reality the plant is seen in a wide variety of situations. It usually prefers well-drained sites in acidic soil from coastal heathlands to sub-alpine locations.

Now is a good time to see Common Heath in flower in our nearby forests and roadsides – it is a winter-flowering plant. Most plants are a bit ‘scrappy-looking’ but now and then you may come across a brilliant display of the white, pink or scarlet form amongst the scrub.

Some gardeners describe the plant as being ‘finicky’ to grow. As a cut flower specimen it is a little underwhelming.

Last year, Tim Entwhistle, the director the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria dared suggest it was time to change our floral emblem and conducted a poll. The results were 1 – keep Common Heath (42%), 2 – Silver Banksia (26%) and 3 – Manna Gum (16%). 

The humble Common Heath is always a delight to encounter in our bushland on a cold winter’s day.