About
A compact, bushy, evergreen shrub to 50cm high and wide, with dark green foliage. Upright spikes of small, pink flowers with protruding black anthers appear from late summer to mid-spring.
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
Spread0.5-1 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