About
A compact, evergreen shrub to 15cm tall and 30cm wide with intense green foliage that turns bronze in winter and pinkish-red flowers borne from winter into 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationA lime-tolerant heather, prefers well-drained neutral to acid soil but tolerant of alkaline soils and some shade. See Hardy heathers for further advice
PruningPruning group 10 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions