Erica lusitanica
Portugal heath
An erect-growing medium-sized evergreen shrub with plume-like branches of light green foliage. Flowers tubular, white, scented, from pink-tinged buds are borne in large branched racemes in winter and spring
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 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 | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
Correct
- Plant range
- W Iberian Peninsula to SW France, naturalised SW England
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Rock garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
- Garden edging
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions
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