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Erica spiculifolia 'Balkan Rose'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

spike heath 'Balkan Rose'

A low-growing, compact shrub with evergreen, grey-green, needle-like foliage to around 15cm (6in). From late spring to summer it bears pale violet, small, cup-shaped flowers in dense, upright clusters at the ends of the stems.

Synonyms
Bruckenthalia spiculifolia 'Balkan Rose'
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. See also Hardy heathers cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid-to late autumn and by layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

See 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

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