About
A dwarf shrub up to 20 cm high and 45cm wide, with dark green leaves and scented, mauve-pink flowers with dark brown anthers, from late winter to early spring. Most Erica species and cultivars are excellent plants for all types of bees.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Rock garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun, in well-drained, preferably acidic, sandy or organic soil; will grow in poor soils, and will tolerate neutral and mildly alkaline soils, and will tolerate some shade; for more advice, see heather cultivation
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 10 after flowering, to maintain compact habit
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings from mid-summer to late summer, or by mound-layering in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free, but rabbits may damage young plants
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions