About
A compact, bushy evergreen shrub to 70cm high, with small, linear green leaves to 1cm long, and young foliage tinted with orange in spring. Flowers in spring, producing small clusters of white flowers that age to pink, on short side shoots along the tips of the stems.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in well-drained soil in full sun, lime tolerant. See Hardy heathers for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 10, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- or late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions