About
A slow-growing, bushy, evergreen shrub, to 1m tall, with small, linear leaves, up to 10mm long, arranged in whorls of four to six. In the autumn and late spring, pure white tubular flowers, up to 20mm long, are borne on new growth.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, acid soil in full sun in the mildest localities only; under glass grow in ericaceous potting compost in full light with good ventilation at all times; water freely in the growing season and apply a half strength balanced liquid fertiliser every four weeks, water moderately when not in flower
PruningPruning group 10 cut back after flowering to maintain a bushy habit
PropagationPropagate by seed but colour may not come true or propagate 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