long pink-bells

It is a prostrate or weeping small shrub which grows to between 1 and 1.5 metres high and 0.5 to 1 metre wide. The leaves are triangular to rounded with toothed edges. These are 5 to 12 millimetres long and wide and are reduced to scales on flowering stems and are often only seen on young growth. The pale to deep lilac-pink (rarely white) bell-shaped flowers appear between July and January in their native range. These occur in clusters of 1 to 3 on petioles with dense, gland-tipped hairs. It is similar in appearance to Tetratheca ciliata, but the latter has petioles with only a few gland-tipped hairs.

The species has a restricted distribution, occurring in damp forests in hilly country to the east of Melbourne, on French Island and in a separate population in Gisborne. The species is classified as rare in Victoria. It adapts well to disturbed sites, and is often found on exposed road cuttings.

The species is free-flowering and is suitable for moist shady positions. It can be situated under established trees or at the top of retaining walls, or used in a cottage garden setting.

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