Urn Heath
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(Melichrus urceolatus)
Urn Heath (Melichrus urceolatus)
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Donald Hobern
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Donald Hobern
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Donald Hobern | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: dhobern | Publisher: Flickr
Summary
Melichrus urceolatus, commonly known as Urn Heath, is an evergreen shrub native to the sclerophyll forests and heathlands of Eastern Australia. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of up to 2 feet (0.6 meters). The plant has a compact form with small, needle-like leaves and produces distinctive urn-shaped cream and green flowers in the fall, which are moderately showy and attract pollinators.
Urn Heath is valued for its hardiness and the textural contrast its foliage provides in a garden setting. It is often used in rockeries, as a border plant, or in mass plantings for ground cover. This shrub thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, adapting well to a variety of soil types provided they have good drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Urn Heath is valued for its hardiness and the textural contrast its foliage provides in a garden setting. It is often used in rockeries, as a border plant, or in mass plantings for ground cover. This shrub thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, adapting well to a variety of soil types provided they have good drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, Green
- Flowering Season: Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Sclerophyll forests and heathlands
Other Names
Common Names: Jam Tarts, Honey-Gland Heath
Scientific Names: Melichrus urceolatus, Styphelia urceolata, Melichrus medius, Styphelia cunninghami
GBIF Accepted Name: Melichrus urceolatus R.Br.