About
Erica vagans 'Valerie Proudley' is a compact cultivar of Cornish heath grown for its bright golden-yellow foliage, which contrasts attractively with the sparse white flowers. One of the best golden-foliaged heathers for year-round colour in a sunny, well-drained 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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toS Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationIn very mild areas, grow in moist but well-drained, acidic soil in full sun in a very sheltered position. Elsewhere grow in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory in lime-free potting compost with extra sharp sand, making sure the compost is kept moist
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid- or late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions