About
Erica lusitanica, the Portugal heath, is an erect-growing, medium-sized, plume-branched evergreen shrub with light-green foliage. Tube-shaped, white flowers opening from pink-tinged buds are borne in large, branched, slender, tall spikes in winter and spring. A graceful and ornamental tree heath for a mild, sunny, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Erica, the heaths and heathers, are a large genus of evergreen shrubs with fine, needle-like leaves in whorls and racemes or panicles of small, bell-shaped or tubular flowers. They include compact, low-growing garden heathers and tall, tree-like species from the Mediterranean and South Africa.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toW Iberian Peninsula to SW France, naturalised SW England
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for further advice
PruningPruning group 10
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