About
James Smith' is a spreading, dwarf, evergreen shrub, ultimately making a wide mat of vivid green foliage, tipped cream and pink in spring. Flowers, in late winter and early spring, open dark pink and deepen to red-purple.
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 typeChalk, Clay, 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
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates lime. See Hardy heathers for further advice
PruningPruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions