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Erica ciliaris
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Other common names
fringed heath
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H5
Botanical 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

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