About
Erica terminalis, the Corsican heath, is a densely branched, erect, evergreen shrub with fresh-green foliage and rose-pink flowers in terminal clusters during summer and early autumn. The rusty-brown, faded flowers persist attractively well into winter. A reliable and ornamental heath for a sunny, well-drained position.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW Mediterranean
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in fertile but well-drained soil in a warm frost-free area. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full or bright filtered light. Tip prune in spring to promote branching. See Hardy heathers for further advice
PruningPruning group 11
PropagationPropagate by leaf-bud or stem tip cuttings, or by layering in spring or summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions