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Erica carnea f. aureifolia 'Altadena'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

heather 'Altadena'

A low, spreading evergreen shrub with linear yellow-green leaves, and shoots tipped pink and bronze. Lilac-pink, nectar rich flowers are borne in late winter and early spring

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green Yellow
Summer Green Yellow
Autumn Green Yellow
Winter Pink Green Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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 well drained soil in an open site. Prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade, and will also tolerate alkaline soil. See Hardy heathers for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid or late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Pruning group 10, after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including phytophthora root rot, in warm wet conditions

Get involved

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