About
Erica manipuliflora, the autumn heather, is an upright or spreading shrub to around 4 m with needle-like, year-round green leaves. From late summer to autumn it bears mauve, pink or white, cylindrical or bell-shaped flowers in profusion along the stems. An ornamental and late-season heather for a sunny, well-drained position.
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, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toE Mediterranean
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Tolerates alkaline soils. See also Hardy heathers cultivation
PruningSee pruning group 8
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