Erica, commonly known as Heath, is a charming and hardy evergreen shrub that adds year-round beauty to your garden. With its fine, needle-like foliage and delicate, tubular flowers in various colours, including shades of pink, white, and purple, Erica brings a touch of elegance to any landscape. Drought-resistant and low-maintenance, this versatile plant is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking to infuse their outdoor space with enduring allure.
Planting Calendar
Erica are best planted from winter and into spring.
Harvest In
Erica's flower in over winter and into spring.
Erica flowers are great for floral displays and last in a vase well.
Prepare
Erica's are a great plant that provides winter colour and encourages nectar feeding birds and bees into the garden. They can be planted into pots and can be used in cottage and Mediterranean gardens, planted on slopes in rockeries and can even cope with some coastal sites.
Position
Plant Erica's in full sun for best flower colour in an area with plenty of good air circulation.
Soil
Erica must have free draining sandy soil that is acidic with a PH of 5.5-6.5. When growing in containers plant into container mix and peat combined.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost and Peat into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix and Peat.
Care
Watering
Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods.
Feeding
If feeding is required a careful application of an acid fertiliser in Spring after trimming will enhance new growth and flowering the next season. For strong healthy roots, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Mulching
Mulch with Peat as this will help maintain the acidity of the soil.
Pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and to maintain shape. Pruning will increase flower production the next season. where they will put on a great display of colour.
Beginner Tip
Wet soil can cause total collapse of Erica's, drainage is key. Plant on raised mound if needed to improve drainage.
Expert Tip
Pick flower and take inside to enjoy in a vase. This will encourage new growth and more flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my Erica plants?
Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods.
When is the best time to prune Erica plants?
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and to maintain shape. Pruning will increase flower production the next season. where they will put on a great display of colour.
Can Erica plants attract pollinators?
Erica plants are excellent for attracting bees and other pollinators due to their vibrant flowers and nectar.
What pests and diseases commonly affect Erica plants?
Erica plants can be affected by root rot if overwatered, and they may attract aphids or spider mites. Ensure good air circulation and proper watering to prevent these issues.
How do I propagate Erica plants?
Erica plants can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining mix and keep them moist until roots develop.