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Erica cinerea 'Michael Hugo'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bell heather 'Michael Hugo'

a low-growing, spreading shrub to 60cm wide and 25cm high with dark green foliage and long racemes of intense pink flowers from summer into autumn

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Pink Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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

Best grown in neutal to acid well-drained soil in an open site with full sun. Ideal for growing in containers in lime free (ericaceous) potting compost. See Hardy heathers and erica cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Garden edging
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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