About
A spreading, bushy, evergreen shrub to 30cm high and 45 wide, with yellow foliage, taking on orange tints in winter. Upright spikes of small, dark pink flowers with protruding black anthers appear in early winter to mid-spring, though it is not free flowering.
About the genus
Erica can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs with fine, needle-like leaves in whorls, and racemes or panicles of small, bell-shaped or tubular flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in well-drained, acidic soil in full sun but will tolerate neutral to alkaline soils. See Hardy heathers for further advice
PruningPruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings from mid-summer to late summer, or by mound-layering in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions