About

A compact, eventually wide-domed shrub, with brittle stems and needle-like, evergreen, dark-green leaves. From early to mid-spring, it bares an abundance of urn-shaped to cylindrical, honey-scented, pale pink flowers with dark red stamens along the length of the branch ends. Around 31-45cm (12-17in) in height.

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 moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

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, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Tolerates slightly alkaline soils
PruningSee pruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid-to late autumn and by layering
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions