Erica sessiliflora
white bottlebrush heath
An erect shrub, to 2m in height, with upright or spreading, needle-like leaves. Dense clusters of greenish-white, tubular flowers are produced from late winter to spring. Later, the sepals swell, protecting the seeds, to produce red or greenish-yellow fruiting clusters that turn brown and remain on the plant for several years
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–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
- Plant range
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
In mild areas, grow in moist but not waterlogged, acidic soil in full sun in a sheltered position. Elsewhere grow in an unheated greenhouse in lime-free potting compost with extra sharp sand, making sure the compost is kept moist
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid- or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
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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