Plant of the Month – May 2026

Photo credit: Kimberly Cassidy

Epacris gunnii (Coral Heath or Ace of Spades)

A locally rare and significant species in the Yarra Valley and surrounds, Epacris gunnii is a beautiful low-growing native shrub with an that’s becoming increasingly scarce due to habitat loss. By planting it, you’re actively helping conserve a species that has already disappeared from parts of our region.

✨ Why you’ll love it
• Delicate white bell-shaped flowers from April to October
• Excellent nectar source for birds
• Compact size: 0.5–1 m high x 0.5–1 m wide
• Perfect for small gardens, rockeries & containers
• Responds well to pruning

🌱 Growing tips
• Prefers moist to wet soils (don’t let it dry out in summer)
• Thrives in semi-shade
• Frost tolerant
• Ideal for recreating lowland swamp conditions
• Great around frog bogs and ponds

🍃 Plant details
Family: Ericaceae
Storey: Lower
Leaves: Small, crowded, heart-shaped with a sharp tip
Flowers: Small white bells along stems

💚 Support local biodiversity
This species is locally rare and extinct in several nearby sites—every plant grown helps rebuild habitat and protect our unique flora.

💲 Special price for May 2026 only💲 
         Members – $2.50 (usually $5)
     Non-members – $3.00 (Usually $6)