Introducing...
Tree heathers
Botanical name: Erica arborea, E. australis, E. lusitanica
These large evergreen shrubs provide year-round structure and seasonal flowers, either as stand-alone specimens, in mixed borders or as informal hedges. They also provide shelter for wildlife, and their flowers are magnets for bees.
Looks
These large evergreen shrubs have upright stems, often branching like candelabras, or narrow and columnar. They produce an abundance of tiny bell-shaped pink or white flowers, sometimes scented, at various times from autumn to spring, depending on the species.
Likes
They must have acidic, free-draining soil, preferably sandy. They also need a sunny situation.
Dislikes
These shrubs dislike very heavy, wet soil and will not do well in alkaline conditions. They will not flower in shade.
Did you know?
To increase bushiness, trim plants once or twice a year for the first couple of years after planting, to encourage branching. Unlike other heathers, they will tolerate hard pruning if they become straggly.
Growing guide
How to grow tree ericas
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for tree ericas in your garden.
Tree heathers we recommend
Erica lusitanica 'Sheffield Park'
Portugal heath 'Sheffield Park'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Erica arborea var. alpina f. aureifolia 'Albert's Gold'
tree heath 'Albert's Gold'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Erica lusitanica 'Sheffield Park'
Portugal heath 'Sheffield Park'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Erica arborea var. alpina f. aureifolia 'Albert's Gold'
tree heath 'Albert's Gold'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
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