Overview

Erica x darleyensis f. albiflora 'Ada S. Collings' 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 f. albiflora 'Ada S. Collings' 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 f. albiflora 'Ada S. Collings' is a compact, low-growing Erica with evergreen, needle-like leaves and an extended flowering season from July to November. It grows best in well-drained, acidic loam and suits full sun or partial shade on a south-facing, sheltered site. Rated H4 (average), it will tolerate most UK winters with sensible siting. Use it in borders, rock gardens, containers or bee-friendly groupings where winter displays are required.

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 member of the Erica genus (family Ericaceae), Erica x darleyensis f. albiflora 'Ada S. Collings' is a compact, low-growing shrub selected for garden use. The plants keep a neat habit with evergreen, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls and produce their flowering display from July to November. Place it where soil is an acidic loam that drains freely; waterlogged ground is unsuitable. It accepts full sun or partial shade but performs best on a south-facing, sheltered aspect where early season warmth encourages flowering. The hardiness rating H4 translates as average winter tolerance across much of the UK; exposure to driving wind or very cold pockets can undermine its performance so choose a protected spot. Practical uses reflect its size and seasonality: line a mixed border, tuck into a rock garden, plant in containers on a warm terrace or include it in bee-friendly plantings and winter bedding displays. In containers ensure the medium remains acidic and drains readily so roots do not sit wet. Leaves held in tight whorls contrast with the summer–autumn flowers, making the foliage and bloom stages both valuable in extended-season schemes.

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 f. albiflora 'Ada S. Collings' 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 f. albiflora 'Ada S. Collings'

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

Frequently asked questions

More in the Erica genus

• 
  Erica carnea 'Diana Young'Winter Heath
• 
  Erica gracilis 'Mister X'PBR
• 
  Erica spiculifolia 'Mila'
• 
  Erica vagans 'Chittendenii'Cornish Heath
• 
  Erica vagans 'Lilacina'Cornish Heath
• 
  Erica x darleyensis 'Aurélie Brégeon'
• Erica mackayana f. eburnea 'Doctor Ronald Gray'Mackay's Heath