Overview
Erica gracilis red is a compact, low-growing shrubs; some species grow into large shrubs up to 1.5m tall shrubs in the genus Erica, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen, needle-like leaves in various shades of green, yellow, or tinged with copper or red foliage. Erica gracilis red grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers, rock gardens, bee-friendly plantings and winter bedding displays.
About
Erica gracilis red is a compact, low-growing cultivar of the Erica genus, which comprises evergreen shrubs with slender, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls. This cultivar features the characteristic small, bell-shaped or tubular flowers typical of Erica, appearing in spring and summer. It thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained, acidic loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H4, Erica gracilis red is suitable for borders, containers, rock gardens, and bee-friendly plantings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Erica
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Erica gracilis red size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Compact, low-growing shrubs; some species grow into large shrubs up to 1.5m tall
- Foliage
- Evergreen, needle-like leaves in various shades of green, yellow, or tinged with copper or red
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, rock gardens, bee-friendly plantings, winter bedding displays
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Erica gracilis red
- Propagation
- Leaf-bud or stem tip cuttings, layering in spring or summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus and Phytophthora root rot in wet conditions
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Erica gracilis red?
Erica gracilis red prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Erica gracilis red need?
Erica gracilis red grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Erica gracilis red hardy in the UK?
Erica gracilis red 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 red?
Leaf-bud or stem tip cuttings, layering in spring or summer.
More in the Erica genus
- Erica gracilis 'Calimero'
- Erica manipuliflora 'Cascades'
- Erica arborea var. alpina f. aureifolia
- Erica x afroeuropaea