Erica

This group consists of more than 500, evergreen plants ranging in size from dwarf shrubs to small trees, native to Europe, Turkey, and Africa, especially South Africa. The foliage of these plants come in a wide variety of colors including gold, silver, red, gray, and an unlimited range of greens, from olive to lime. They bear delicate, bell-shaped flowers in an array of colors from snow white to lavender to scarlet. These plants are commonly known as Heaths and Heathers. These common names are usually used to refer to a number of groups. Generally, the species of this group (Erica) are called Heath, while those belonging to the group, Calluna, (go see) are called Heather. The common name of these plants (Heather) was given in reference to the land on which they where originally found. This land was called heath (tracts of land considered useless for agriculture). Gardeners have come to distinguish these plants with different names and they are also distinguished botanically into the groups, Erica and Calluna. As mentioned before, Heaths come in a range of sizes. They may form dwarf shrubs a foot high that are excellent for using as ground covers, in rock gardens, and for lining pathways. Some species form large, tree-like shrubs up to 16 feet high. These are superb landscape plants and are especially beautiful when surrounded by smaller-sized Heaths and Heathers. Heaths and Heathers bloom throughout the year. E. australis (Spanish Heath) is a medium-sized shrub with scented, rose-purple flowers from mid- to late spring. This Heath needs warmer climates. E. carnea (Spring Heath; Winter Heath) and its cultivars are hardy to zone 4 US and grow from 6 to 9 inches high and 12 to 18 inches wide. They form thick mounds and mats of foliage and bear flowers in white and gold and shades of purple and pink.

Pot Cultivation

Heaths and Heathers need poor, acidic, sandy, peaty soil, much like the moors they naturally inhabit. The soil must be moisture retentive, but very well-drained, since their fibrous roots grow shallowly. This can be achieved by adding generous amounts of peat moss or well-rotted organic material. These plants will not survive in shallow, alkaline soil. They should be in a location that receives full sun because a shady position will cause straggly plants. Heaths and Heathers look gorgeous when planted in drifts; they should never be planted in spots here and there. Generally, Heaths and Heathers should be spaced 18 inches on center. Dwarf plants can be spaced 14 inches. Water them well the first few months after planting, especially in hot weather. They will also need plenty of moisture before the ground freezes. Until they cover the ground, keep the weeds down. This can be accomplished by applying a mulch of chopped oak leaves, pine needles, or shredded pine bark. The mulch also helps to maintain a consistent soil temperature, protect the shallow roots, and provide nutrients. The plants shouldn't need additional fertilizer. They can be pruned after they flower to help promote bushiness, but they shouldn't be clipped into neat mounds, which takes away from their wild, spiky look. Old plants can be cut back hard to encourage new shoots to form at their bases. In the winter, they should be protected from harsh, drying winds with a fence, hedge, or a covering of evergreen boughs.

Propagation

Many kinds can be increased by sowing seeds on the surface of sandy peat in the spring and kept in shade until the new plants appear. They are usually propagated by taking cuttings of the short, side shoots just when they are beginning to get a little firm, which is in June for the tender kinds and September to November for the hardy kinds. Make the cuttings an inch or so long, carefully remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem making sure that the delicate bark isn't damaged. Insert the cuttings in firmed sand and peat moss that has a layer of sand on top. The cuttings root best in a propagating frame, covered with a bell jar. Water them carefully and wipe the inside of the jars dry every morning. The cuttings should root within several weeks. Once they show signs of growing, allow more and more ventilation, eventually moving them to the greenhouse benches.

Varieties