About
A dome-shaped, evergreen shrub with tiny, narrow, mid-green leaves, to 45cm high and 60cm wide, where the side branches are produced in whorls at right angles to the stem, with distinct gaps, between the whorls of branches. Sprays of globose purple flowers are produced from late summer to 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
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Coastal, Patio and container plants, 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