Family: Epacndaceae
Common Name: Swamp Heath

This small genus of about four heath-like flowering shrubs related to Epacris, are all natives of Australia. Their natural habitat is moist, peaty marshes, sometimes at high altitudes. They have stiff, stem-clasping, dark green leaves and attractive, star-shaped, tubular flowers surrounded by leaf-like bracts. Sprengelias are not likely to be available outside their native. Australia and in climates prone to frosts would need to be grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

S. incarnata, pink swamp heath, is a stiff-foliaged shrub which grows to 1 m (3 ft) or more. Its dense sprays of starry flowers are contained in bracts. The pointed petals are pink.

S. monticola, rock sprengelia, is a small, almost prostrate plant, with a spreading habit, usually found on damp rock ledges at higher altitudes. The starry flowers are pinkish white.

S. sprengelioides is a shrub which occurs naturally in swampy, coastal areas. It has a variable growth habit, to 1 m (3 ft) high, and small, blunt leaves. The large, white flowers are borne at the ends of the stems.

Cultivation

Propagate from seed sown in late spring, although this may be very slow to germinate. It can also be grown from firm tip cuttings taken in autumn. These may take some months to form roots. Under glass, grow in pots of acid, soilless potting compost and provide light, airy conditions. In the garden, plant in a moist, sunny situation in peaty, acid soil.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 9.