About
A dense, spreading, evergreen shrub, to 1.5m tall, with narrow leaves to 12mm long. Tubular, rosy pink to dark red flowers, up to 2.5cm long, with yellow or white tips are borne in clusters of two or three on short side shoots in spring and 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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, acid soil in full sun in the mildest localities only; under glass grow in ericaceous potting compost in full light with good ventilation at all times; water freely in the growing season and apply a half strength balanced liquid fertiliser every four weeks, water moderately when not in flower
PruningPruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by seed or 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