Description
Common names
Common Beard-heath, Beard-heath, Common Bread-heath.
Scientific names
Leucopogon virgatus.
Family
Epacridaceae.
Genus
Leucopogon.
Rainfall
400mm+.
Growth height
0.35-0.45m.
Presence in Australia
Noted around Albury and in Burkes-Graveyard catchment. Possibly also in similar country elsewhere in region.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA, WA.
Habitat
Heath and woodland on sandy soil.
Habit
Slender upright wiry shrub 35-45cm high with green leaves.
Site preference
Prefers well-drained soil in filtered sun or semi-shade. Moderately frost tolerant.
Flowering
Often abundant, white, fragrant, bearded flowers, Jul-Dec.
Seed collection
Early Nov-late Feb. Monitor closely as Leucopogon species quickly shed mature seeds.
Propagation
From seed, or cuttings of firm young growth. Try sowing fresh seed in early winter in soil from beneath parent plants. Unstratified seed may germinate in 3-18 months. Some growers have germinated bird-ingested seed.
Ornamental
Excellent ornamental for containers and gardens, where it can fill small gaps between other shrubs. Impressive flowering. Rejuvenate old plants by hard pruning.