About
Erica arborea, the tree heath, is a large, upright, well-branched shrub or small tree to 6 m with small, linear, rich-green leaves. Long, branching plumes of tiny, white, sweetly scented flowers are produced in late winter and spring. The woody rootstock, known as briar (or bri�re) wood, is used to make traditional briar pipes.
About the genus
Erica, the heaths and heathers, are a large genus of evergreen shrubs with fine, needle-like leaves in whorls and racemes or panicles of small, bell-shaped or tubular flowers. They include compact, low-growing garden heathers and tall, tree-like species from the Mediterranean and South Africa.
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, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in an open site in full sun. See Hardy heathers for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 8 (evergreens)
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- or late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including Phytophthora root rot, in damp conditions