Epacris Impressa - Forms and Cultivars

Forms and Cultivars

Common Heath has a large variety of forms and colours. Pink-flowering populations have a relatively distinct genetic makeup, whereas red or white flowering populations have more evident sharing of genetic traits.

In 1977 H.M. Stace and Y.J. Fripp identified four races based on the following corolla characteristics:

• short white, usually found in sites with greater sun exposure
• long pink, in more shaded sites
• long scarlet. Those from the granitic mountains of Wilsons Promontory flower between April and November
• broad pink or white, the grandiflora race from the Grampians

The long pink and short white races frequently occur in close proximity to each other, in which case the former tends to flower in winter and the latter in spring.

The following forms been selected and grown for cultivation:

Epacris impressa var. grandiflora (Grampians Heath)

This is a variety from rocky locations in the northern Grampians and the Black Range which was described by George Bentham in 1868. It has larger rose-red flowers and broader, down-covered leaves. Taxonomically, the name is currently regarded as a synonym of Epacris impressa rather than being classified as a distinct variety, however a number of named forms are commonly cultivated:

• Epacris impressa 'Grandiflora' – leaves and flowers larger than most other forms, single flowers.
• Epacris impressa 'Double Pink' – double flowers
• Epacris impressa 'Grampians' – pale pink flowers

Epacris impressa 'Bega'

This is a form from Bega in New South Wales that has bright red flowers. It is regarded as one of the more reliable forms in cultivation.

Epacris impressa 'Cranbourne Bells'

This is a form from Cranbourne in Victoria that occurred naturally near the Botanic Gardens. It is double-flowered with pink flowers buds fading to white as they open.