Erica × darleyensis f. albiflora 'Silberschmelze'

RHS Plant Profile

heather 'Silberschmeize'

Synonyms

Erica × darleyensis 'Molten Silver'
Erica × darleyensis 'Alba'
Erica darleyensis 'Silver Bells'
Erica × darleyensis Molten Silver
Erica × darleyensis Silver Beads

Shrubs

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'Silberschmelze' is a spreading, evergreen shrub to 45cm high and 1m wide with small, needle-like, green leaves that are tipped with cream in spring. Scented, white urn-shaped flowers are borne from early winter into spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Matforming
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: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, neutral or acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for further information

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Rock garden
Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance
Banks and slopes
Ground cover

Pruning

Pruning group 10

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions