Daily Plant: Pink Heath

More widely known as the common heath this shrub like plant with pink flowers is in fact the floral emblem for the state of Victoria, but is also native to southwest parts of Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales.

The Pink heath although classified as a shrub like plant can grow to 2-3 meters tall if let to grow freely but generally in gardens it is used as a small shrub growing to about 0.5-1 meter tall making it the perfect size to put in the garden. The heath grows best in moist well-drained slightly acidic soil and likes a nice half sun position that in winter wont be affected by frost, these requirements make the heath better as a pot plant so it can be moved as the seasons change.

As a woody shrub its leaves are prickly so be careful when pruning or moving the plant if planted in pot. Established pink heath is much hardier and can tolerate short dry spells through summer and will benefit from use of peat which is partially decaying vegetation or organic matter that can be purchased at most gardens centres, if you want a nice dense shrub pruning is a must and will result in a plant covered in flowers from late Autumn to early Spring. Thanks for reading and have fun in the garden.