About

A prostrate evergreen shrub forming a mat of vivid green foliage, to 20cm tall, with short racemes of white flowers opening from early 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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for further 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