About
A compact, upright, evergreen shrub to about 1.5m, with tiny, light green, needle-like leaves, the young growth appearing very bright yellow in spring. Long spikes of white, honey-scented, bell-shaped flowers open from pink buds in early to late spring.
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
ExposureSheltered
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
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 8
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