About
This low, spreading evergreen shrub with linear yellow-green leaves, and shoots tipped pink and bronze. Lilac-pink, nectar rich flowers are borne in late winter and early 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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-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 height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well drained soil in an open site. Prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade, and will also tolerate alkaline soil. See Hardy heathers for further advice
PruningPruning group 10, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid or late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including phytophthora root rot, in warm wet conditions