About
A low-growing, but wide spreading shrub with evergreen, light green, needle-like leaves to around 25.5cm (10in). In late spring and early summer, tiny, bell-shaped, green-brown flowers are borne in profusion at the stem ends.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, moderately fertile to poor 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