Erica spiculifolia 'Mila' — Compact, Low-growing shrubs; some species grow into large shrubs up to 1.5m tall

Overview

Erica spiculifolia 'Mila' is a plant with a compact, low-growing shrubs; some species grow into large shrubs up to 1.5m tall habit in the genus Erica, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen, needle-like leaves in whorls foliage. Erica spiculifolia 'Mila' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers, rock gardens, bee-friendly plantings and winter bedding displays.

About

Erica spiculifolia 'Mila' is a compact, low-growing member of the Ericaceae with evergreen, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls. It flowers from July to November, giving an extended season of bloom. Plant in south-facing, sheltered sites in acid, well-drained loam, in full sun or partial shade. Its size and habit make it suitable for borders, rock gardens, containers and bee-friendly or winter bedding schemes.

About the genus

Erica is a genus of roughly 857 species of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. The English common names heath and heather are shared by some closely related genera of similar appearance. The genus Calluna was formerly included in Erica; it differs in having even smaller scale-leaves, and the flower corolla consisting of separate petals.

Wikipedia contributors, "Erica (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Erica (plant)

In the garden

Erica spiculifolia 'Mila' is a compact heath in the Erica genus, characterised by its low-growing habit and evergreen, needle-like foliage set in whorls. Flowering runs from July to November, so it provides colour well beyond the main summer months. Best results come from planting into a loam that is acid and free-draining; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Position the plant in full sun or partial shade on a south-facing, sheltered aspect to reduce exposure to cold winds and winter wet. The cultivar carries an H4 rating, which translates to average UK hardiness — it will tolerate normal British winters in protected sites but benefit from shelter in exposed gardens. Erica spiculifolia 'Mila' suits edged borders, rock gardens and containers where its compact form can be shown off; it also works in bee-friendly plantings and winter bedding displays. Because it flowers from July to November, it is particularly useful where a long season of blooms is required in south-facing, sheltered locations.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Erica

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Acid
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Erica spiculifolia 'Mila' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Compact, Low-growing shrubs; some species grow into large shrubs up to 1.5m tall
Foliage: Evergreen, Needle-like leaves in whorls
Suggested uses: Borders, Containers, Rock gardens, Bee-friendly plantings, Winter bedding displays

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Erica spiculifolia 'Mila'

Propagation: Leaf-bud or stem tip cuttings, Layering in spring or summer
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions