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Erica cinerea 'Alfred Bowerman'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bell heather 'Alfred Bowerman'

A vigorous, low-growing, upright, evergreen shrub to 45cm high, with tiny, dark green, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls. Clusters of reddish, bell-shaped flowers appear on shoot tips from mid-summer to early autumn

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in well-drained, acidic soil in an open site in full sun. See Hardy heathers and erica cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- to late summer, or by mound layering in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning group 10, after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including Phytophthora root rot, in damp conditions

Get involved

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