About
Erica scoparia, the besom heath, is a well-branched, upright shrub or small tree to around 2 m with evergreen, needle-like, rich-green leaves. In late spring and early summer, tiny, pendant, bell-like, green-brown flowers are produced in profusion at the stem ends, releasing clouds of pollen when in full bloom. The flexible stems were traditionally used to make brooms.
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
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, moderately fertile to poor soil in full sun. 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