About
An upright, bushy, evergreen shrub to around 1m (3.2ft), with needle-like, yellow-green foliage and bronze-red shoot tips. From mid-summer to early autumn it produces many small, urn-shaped, lilac-pink flowers atop the branches. Flowers persist into winter, taking on a russet hue.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
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, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Will tolerate alkaline soils. 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