About
Erica tetralix 'Silver Bells' is a compact, mound-forming cultivar of cross-leaved heath producing silvery-grey, whorled foliage and the characteristic pendant, urn-shaped, white flowers of the species in summer. A neat and ornamental heather for a moist, acid, peaty soil in a sunny or partly shaded position.
About the genus
Erica, the heaths and heathers, are evergreen shrubs and subshrubs from Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa producing needle-like whorled leaves and masses of small, urn-shaped or tubular flowers in white, pink, purple or red. Ranging from compact ground-covering alpines to large tree heaths, they are grown in acid soils and heathland gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny spot in moist, acidic soil. See Hardy heathers for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 10, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- or late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including Phytophthora root rot