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 bealeana
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
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