Xela's Garden

About this plant

Genus: Erica.

Species: Erica carnea.

Planted '07 Shenstone in Samantha's bed


Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline
Height: 38cm
Spread: 50cm

Winter-flowering heaths are mainly varieties of Erica carnea and Erica x darleyensis. They are all very hardy and lime-tolerant, although not happy on very chalky soils, and generally flower all winter into early spring. 'Springwood White' is a vigorous, trailing variety with bright green foliage. In late winter it is covered in masses of white flowers.

Erica carnea
A species of low, spreading, fully hardy, evergreen shrubs from the alpine regions of Europe attaining no more than 20cm (8in) in height but spreading to 55cm (22in). They have linear leaves in whorls of 4 and bear urceolate, generally pink, flowers in late winter to early spring. The flowering times of E. carnea vary markedly, plants in milder climates being as much as two months earlier than those in colder conditions. Generally, they can be expected to show flower for 6-8 weeks. It tolerates lime and a little shade. All exhibit a dwarf carpeting habit and with few exceptions, rarely require pruning. I Care must be taken when pruning as E. carnea buds as early as July. It is safer to prune immediately after the flowers have faded. Prune around the edges and very lightly over the top of the plant.t is one of the hardiest of all heaths, suitable for hardiness zone 4.