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Erica scoparia 'Minima'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Besom heath 'Minima'

A low-growing, but wide spreading shrub with evergreen, light green, needle-like leaves to around 25.5cm (10in). In late spring and early summer, tiny, bell-shaped, green-brown flowers are borne in profusion at the stem ends.

Synonyms
Erica scoparia 'Pumila'
Erica scoparia 'Nana'
see moreErica scoparia subsp. scoparia 'Minima'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Brown Green
Summer Green Brown 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 to poor 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
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
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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