About
This compact, evergreen shrub to 30cm high and 45cm wide, with tiny, narrow, grey-green leaves, producing short sprays of bi-colour, urn-shaped flowers, white at the base with pale beetroot tips 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, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
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