General Description:

Maireana is a genus of 57 species found in all mainland states and territories.  They are perennial shrubs or herbs with fleshy or succulent leaves. The flowers are usually insignificant and are arranged singly or in pairs in leaf axils. The fruit has a wing, sometimes divided into separate leathery wings which may be brightly coloured. The Australian Plant Census places Maireana in the family Chenopodiaceae but some authorities now place the genus in the family Amaranthaceae. The greatest diversity of Maireana is in Western Australia.

Rosy Bluebush is a small shrub, usually less than 1 metre high and wide with densely ‘woolly’ stems. The succulent leaves are about 10 mm long and 2-3 mm wide, club-shaped and with a bluish-purple tinge. As with other species in the genus, the flowers are insignificant but are surrounded by wings – the arrangement being known as a fruiting perianth which ages from yellowish to crimson to give the plant a spectacular appearance.  The colourful fruiting perianths can be seen at most times of the year but would be at their most attractive from late winter through spring.

Maireana erioclada is not common in cultivation but is a very ornamental plant that would be well suited to gardens in arid and semi-arid areas.  It will tolerate extended dry conditions once established and can tolerate at least moderate frosts.  It requires soils with good drainage and prefers an open, sunny position.

Propagation is reasonably easy from both seed and cuttings.