Erica vagans 'Chittendenii' (Cornish Heath) — Compact, Low-growing shrubs; some species grow into large shrubs up to 1.5m tall

Overview

Erica vagans 'Chittendenii' 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 vagans 'Chittendenii' 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 vagans 'Chittendenii' is a compact, low-growing heather cultivar that carries pink to lilac flowers from July to November. It bears evergreen, needle-like leaves in whorls along slender stems. Best grown in acid, well-drained loam on a south-facing, sheltered site, it suits borders, containers and rock gardens. Its extended summer–autumn bloom is valuable for late-season pollinators.

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

A cultivated form of Cornish heath, Erica vagans 'Chittendenii' sits in the family Ericaceae and shows the genus’s typical needle-like foliage and prolonged flowering. The parent species occurs on Atlantic coasts, and this cultivar keeps the long display of pink to lilac blooms that extends from July to November in the UK. Position plants where they receive full sun or light afternoon shade; a south-facing, sheltered aspect will reduce exposure to cold winds. Use an acid, well-drained loam and avoid waterlogged situations. The cultivar carries an H4 rating for UK hardiness, equivalent to average winter resilience, so choose a protected spot in colder microclimates or grown-in containers that can be moved against severe conditions. Erica vagans 'Chittendenii' suits mixed borders, rock gardens and containers and is often used in bee-friendly plantings and winter bedding displays because of its long season of interest. Plants establish into compact mats that thread between open gravel or paving joints without overwhelming neighbours. From July through November the flowers provide a dependable source of nectar for autumn pollinators.

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 vagans 'Chittendenii' 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 vagans 'Chittendenii'

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