About

This compact evergreen shrub to 30cm high, with an open habit, brittle stems, dark green linear leaves and white flowers in early spring.

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, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrows best in an acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for further advice
PruningPruning group 10 after flowering
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