Erica x darleyensis 'Aurélie Brégeon' — Compact, Low-growing shrubs; some species grow into large shrubs up to 1.5m tall

Overview

Erica x darleyensis 'Aurélie Brégeon' 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 x darleyensis 'Aurélie Brégeon' 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 x darleyensis 'Aurélie Brégeon' is a compact, low-growing Erica with evergreen, needle-like leaves and a prolonged flowering season from July to November. It suits full sun to partial shade and prefers acid loam that is well drained. Place it in a south-facing, sheltered spot to encourage the longest display of blooms. It is suitable for borders, containers, rock gardens and bee-friendly plantings.

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

Erica x darleyensis 'Aurélie Brégeon' is a hybrid Erica (the 'x' in the name indicates its hybrid origin) that combines a compact habit with evergreen, needle-like foliage arranged in whorls. Its flowering runs from July to November, providing nectar later in the year than many other summer-flowering shrubs. The plant carries its blooms into autumn when sited correctly. Grow it in an acid, loamy soil that drains freely; waterlogged conditions are unsuitable. It tolerates full sun or partial shade but performs best on a south-facing aspect with some shelter from strong winds — the cultivar is rated H4 (average) for UK hardiness, so choose a protected location in colder districts. Keep soil conditions reliably well drained to avoid winter root stress. Use 'Aurélie Brégeon' in mixed borders where late-season flowers extend interest, in containers on a sunny sheltered patio, or tucked into rock garden crevices. It also works in bee-friendly schemes and winter bedding displays where an extended flowering period is wanted. Because it combines evergreen needle foliage with blooms through to November, it can provide both structure and late nectar in the same planting.

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 x darleyensis 'Aurélie Brégeon' 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 x darleyensis 'Aurélie Brégeon'

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