Erica tetralix 'Silver Bells'
cross-leaved heath 'Silver Bells'
A compact evergreen shrub, to around 30cm high, with an upright habit and small, slightly hairy grey-green leaves, held in whorls of four around slender stems. Clusters of urn-shaped, very pale silvery pink flowers are produced at the tips of the stems from midsummer to early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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 a sunny spot in moist, acidic soil. See Hardy heathers for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 10, after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including Phytophthora root rot
Get involved
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