About
This upright, twiggy, evergreen shrub to about 1.5m, with tiny, dark green leaves in whorls of four. Tolerates difficult conditions including soil pollution and temporary flooding. Terminal clusters of small, tubular, dark pink flowers appear from mid-summer to early autumn.
About the genus
Erica can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs with fine, needle-like leaves in whorls, and racemes or panicles of small, bell-shaped or tubular flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toSpain & Portugal
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- or late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions