About
Erica verticillata is an extinct-in-the-wild South African heath producing whorls of pink, tubular flowers on a compact, evergreen shrub. Now maintained in cultivation through botanic garden collections, it is of conservation significance as well as being an ornamental greenhouse plant.
About the genus
Erica, the heaths and heathers, are evergreen shrubs and subshrubs from Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa producing needle-like whorled leaves and masses of small, urn-shaped or tubular flowers in white, pink, purple or red. Ranging from compact ground-covering alpines to large tree heaths, they are grown in acid soils and heathland gardens.
Plant details
Suggested usesBedding, containers, hanging baskets.
Care notes
CultivationPlant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
PropagationGrow from seed sown in spring.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.