About

A low-growing evergreen shrub to 30cm high, with an upright habit and tiny, narrow, dark green leaves. Clusters of urn-shaped, purple-pink flowers, fading to white at the base, are produced from early 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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, acidic soil in an open site in full sun. See Hardy heathers for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 10, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- or late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including Phytophthora root rot, in damp conditions