About
This very low-growing, spreading, evergreen shrub to 15cm high, with tiny, dark green, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls. Clusters of ruby-red, bell-shaped flowers appear on shoot tips from early to late summer.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in well-drained, acidic soil in an open site in full sun. See Hardy heathers and erica cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 10, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- to late summer, or by mound layering in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including Phytophthora root rot, in damp conditions