About

A compact, evergreen shrub up to 20cm high with a spread of 45cm, with tiny, narrow, mid-green leaves which turn bronze-green in winter. Short sprays of small, rose-pink urn-shaped flowers are produced from summer to early autumn.

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
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for further advice
PruningPruning group 10 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- or late summer or by layering
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions