About
A dwarf shrub with an open spreading habit, forming a low mound 10-15cm high, with mid-green leaves, and white flowers which become suffused with pale pink, and brown anthers, from early spring to mid-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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, 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
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, 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 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs) or pruning group 10 (evergreen shrubs) 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