Erica tetralix 'Rosea'

RHS Plant Profile

cross-leaved heath 'Rosea'

Shrubs

A compact evergreen shrub, to around 25cm high, with small, light green leaves, edged with silvery hairs and held in whorls of four around slender stems. Clusters of urn-shaped lilac-pink flowers are produced at the tips of the stems from midsummer to early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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

Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
City and courtyard gardens
Coastal
Rock garden
Wildflower meadow
Low Maintenance
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