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Description
Erica Polycoma, also known as Pink Heath, is a flowering plant species native to Australia. It belongs to the Ericaceae family and is a low-growing shrub that can reach up to 1 meter in height. The plant blooms in late winter to early spring, producing clusters of pink tubular flowers that grow up to 1 cm long. The leaves are needle-like, dark green in color, and arranged in whorls of three.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Erica |
| Species | Polycoma |
Appearance
Erica Polycoma is a small, evergreen shrub with a rounded, bushy growth habit. Its leaves are needle-like, dark green in color, and arranged in whorls of three. The plant blooms in late winter to early spring, producing clusters of pink tubular flowers that grow up to 1 cm long. The flowers are held in terminal racemes and are surrounded by small, leafy bracts. The plant has a shallow root system and prefers acidic, well-drained soil.
Care Guide
Water: Erica Polycoma prefers consistently moist soil, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize with a slow-release, acidic fertilizer in spring and summer.Soil: Erica Polycoma prefers acidic, well-drained soil. If your soil is not acidic, you can add sulfur or peat moss to lower the pH.Sunlight: Erica Polycoma prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Erica Polycoma is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erica Polycoma is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It may also be affected by spider mites and aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Erica Polycoma is native to Australia and is found in heathland and open forest areas. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Erica Polycoma a good plant for containers?
A: Yes, Erica Polycoma is a great plant for containers as long as the soil is well-drained and acidic.Q: Can Erica Polycoma tolerate drought?
A: No, Erica Polycoma prefers consistently moist soil and may suffer if exposed to prolonged periods of drought.Q: How do I prune Erica Polycoma?
A: Prune Erica Polycoma after flowering to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.Q: Can Erica Polycoma be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Erica Polycoma can be propagated from cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
- Erica Carnea
- Erica Arborea
- Erica Cerinthoides
- Erica Tetralix
References
- “Erica polycoma.” Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=23712. Accessed 25 Aug. 2021.
- “Pink Heath (Erica polycoma).” PlantNET, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Erica~polycoma. Accessed 25 Aug. 2021.
- “Erica polycoma (pink heath).” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17424/Erica-polycoma/Details. Accessed 25 Aug. 2021.
