About
An upright, open-branched shrub with evergreen, needle-like, mid-green leaves to around 60cm (23.6in) in height. In late summer and autumn it bares lilac-pink, small, bell-shaped flowers in loose clusters on wand-like 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, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Tolerates alkaline soils. See also Hardy heathers cultivation
PruningPruning 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