Erica cinerea
bell heather
Compact, evergreen shrub with tiny, narrow, dark green leaves. Short sprays of small, pink, purple or white, urn-shaped flowers are produced from early summer to early autumn
Other common names
black heathcarlin heather
see moreConnemara heather
Scotch heather
she heather
twisted heath
Synonyms
× Ericalluna bealeanaBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink Purple White | Green | ||
Autumn | Pink Purple White | Green | ||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- 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
- Europe, N. Africa
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 in mid- or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.