About

A spreading evergreen shrub to 40cm in height, with narrow yellow leaves, deeper yellow in winter, and racemes of small, bell-shaped pink flowers in summer and early autumn.

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, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained acidic soil in full sun. 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