Overview
Erica gracilis 'Calimero' is a compact, low-growing, spreading, trailing, bushy, spreading branched shrubs in the genus Erica, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen, needle-like leaves foliage. Erica gracilis 'Calimero' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers, rock gardens, bee-friendly plantings and winter bedding displays.
About
Erica gracilis 'Calimero' is a compact, low-growing cultivar of the Erica genus, which comprises evergreen shrubs with slender, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls. This spreading and bushy shrub features a trailing habit, making it suitable for borders, containers, rock gardens, and bee-friendly plantings. It thrives in full sun or partial shade on fertile, well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it offers seasonal interest in spring and summer with its characteristic small, bell-shaped or tubular flowers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Erica
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Erica gracilis 'Calimero' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Compact, Low-growing, Spreading, Trailing, Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Needle-like leaves
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Rock gardens, Bee-friendly plantings, Winter bedding displays
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Erica gracilis 'Calimero'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, Mound-layering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Erica gracilis 'Calimero'?
Erica gracilis 'Calimero' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Erica gracilis 'Calimero' need?
Erica gracilis 'Calimero' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Erica gracilis 'Calimero' hardy in the UK?
Erica gracilis 'Calimero' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Erica gracilis 'Calimero'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Mound-layering.
More in the Erica genus
- Erica manipuliflora 'Cascades'
- Erica arborea var. alpina f. aureifolia
- Erica gracilis red
- Erica x afroeuropaea