About
A bushy, spreading evergreen shrub with short, oval, small, dark green leaves to around 50cm (30in) in height. From summer to early autumn it produces clusters of urn-shaped, bright pink, or white flowers at the ends of the stems.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. See also Hardy heathers cultivation
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