About
Erica sessiliflora, the white bottlebrush heath, is an erect shrub to around 2 m with an upright habit and needle-like leaves. Dense clusters of greenish-white, tube-shaped flowers are produced from late winter to spring; the sepals then swell to protect the seeds, producing red or greenish-yellow fruiting clusters that turn brown and persist on the plant for several years. A distinctive and ornamental Cape heath.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationIn mild areas, grow in moist but not waterlogged, acidic soil in full sun in a sheltered position. Elsewhere grow in an unheated greenhouse in lime-free potting compost with extra sharp sand, making sure the compost is kept moist
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid- or late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions