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Erica terminalis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Corsican heath

A bushy evergreen tree-heath making an erect small shrub with mid-green foliage and rose-pink flowers in terminal clusters in summer and early autumn; the rusty-brown faded flowers persist well into winter

Other common names
upright heath
Synonyms
Erica corsica
Erica stricta
see moreErica terminalis stricta

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Pink Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Ericaceae
Native to the UK
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

Correct

Plant range
SW Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in fertile but but well-drained soil in a warm frost-free area. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full or bright filtered light. Tip prune in spring to promote branching. See Hardy heathers for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by leaf-bud or stem tip cuttings, or by layering in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 11

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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