About
A low-growing, evergreen shrub producing a bushy mat about 30cm high, with upright shoots carrying tiny, mid-green, needle-like leaves and relatively large, rounded, bell-shaped, pink flowers from late summer to late 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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Matforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun in well-drained, acid soil. See Hardy heathers for more advice
PruningPruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions