Erica melanthera

Common Name: Black-Anther Heath

Description:
Erica melanthera, commonly known as Black-Anther Heath, is a striking evergreen shrub featuring tubular, vibrant pink to purple flowers with distinctive dark anthers, creating a beautiful contrast. Flowering prolifically from autumn through spring, this hardy species is highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Its fine, needle-like green foliage forms a compact, bushy habit, making it ideal for borders, rock gardens, and container planting. Thriving in well-drained, acidic soil, Erica melanthera prefers full sun to part shade and is tolerant of coastal conditions, drought, and frost. Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages further blooming.

Form:

• Shrub - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 50 – 100 cm
• Width: 50 – 100 cm

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Autumn
• Flowers in Winter
• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Pink
• Purple

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Drought Tolerant
• Bee Attracting
• Perennial
• Frost Tolerant
• Low Maintenance
• Suitable for Coastal Gardens

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans and pets

Companion Plants:

• Calluna (Heather)
• Leptospermum (Tea Tree)
• Grevillea (Spider Flower)
• Lomandra (Mat Rush)
• Correa (Native Fuchsia)