Erica discolor
two-coloured heath
A dense, spreading, evergreen shrub, to 1.5m tall, with narrow leaves to 12mm long. Tubular, rosy pink to dark red flowers, up to 2.5cm long, with yellow or white tips are borne in clusters of two or three on short side shoots in spring and summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Red White Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Red White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, acid soil in full sun in the mildest localities only; under glass grow in ericaceous potting compost in full light with good ventilation at all times; water freely in the growing season and apply a half strength balanced liquid fertiliser every four weeks, water moderately when not in flower
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions
Get involved
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