Erica ciliaris
Dorset heath
A spreading, evergreen shrub to about 60cm in height, with tiny, narrow leaves, grey-green or dark green above, white beneath and occasionally fringed with hairs. Short sprays of small, usually pink, urn-shaped flowers to 1cm long, are produced from midsummer to mid autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & 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
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained neutral to acidic soil in a sunny open site. See Hardy heathers for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid- or late summer or by layering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 10 after flowering
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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