Any devoted gardener would find growing ericas, the little, twiggly evergreen shrubs, to be a fascinating plant species. The needle-like leaves of these sun-loving shrubs are typically dark green, although other varieties have a variety of colors. Their tiny bell-shaped blooms, which bloom atop the stem and frequently show chocolate-colored anthers, offer a charming two-tone effect to the plant’s overall appearance and contrast with their bushy and tidy appearance.
It’s amazing to hear that there are over 800 different species of Ericas that may be found growing naturally throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Although while only a tiny part of these species may be grown in gardens, many of the most well-liked varieties have colorful foliage that improves their aesthetic appeal. The majority of the well-known types are also cold-hardy, making them a good choice for gardens in colder climates.
To grow Ericas, it’s essential to mimic the sandy soil conditions and great drainage of their native habitat. When cultivated in pots, these plants can thrive despite frequently struggling in clay and moist soils. Consequently, the ideal choice to ensure their correct growth and development is a well-draining, frequently sandy soil.
Types of Ericas
Based on when they bloom, ericas are split into two primary groups: those that bloom in the winter and spring, and those that bloom in the summer and autumn.
Spring and winter flowering
There are various species of ericas, including the tall, sturdy Erica arborea with golden leaf. In the early spring, it blooms. The clean and bushy Erica carnea plant, on the other hand, can resist lime and has blossoms in a range of colors. It flowers from late autumn to mid-spring and has nicely colored foliage as well. Medium-sized and blooming in the winter, Erica x darleyensis is a cross between Erica carnea and Erica Erigena. Taller than Erica carnea but less frost resistant and not tolerant of lime is Erica Erigena, often known as Irish heath. In late winter and early spring, it blooms. The tallest and most colorful plants are South African Ericas, commonly referred to as hummingbird heaths, however they are not frost-tolerant.
Autumn and summertime flowering
Erica ciliaris is a low-growing, widely dispersed species of ericaceous plant that flowers in red, pink, or white from July to midautumn. Bell heather, also known as Erica cinerea, bears pink, white, or magenta blooms, and some varieties also have golden or bronze foliage. From early summer through early October, it blooms. Cross-leaved heath, also known as Erica tetralix, produces dense heads of blooms that are a variety of colors of pink, some deeper than others, and white. It blooms in the summer and fall and frequently has gray leaves. Last but not least, Erica vagans, often known as Cornish heath, has tall stems, dark leaves, and blooms that range from pink to purple. From mid-summer until mid-autumn, it blooms.
How to plant Ericas
To successfully cultivate Erica plants, proper preparation of the planting area is critical. Start by clearing the area of any unwanted vegetation and loosening the soil. If the soil quality is not adequate, you can enhance it by applying a 2-inch layer of decomposed bark or a soil enhancer that is suitable for acidophilic plants like azaleas. Use a fork to incorporate the compost or soil enhancer into the soil, being careful not to overdo it, as Ericas thrive in well-drained soils that are not overly fertilized.
Next, compact the area to consolidate the soil and determine where you will be planting each Erica. Take your time to position them until you are satisfied with their placement, then space them around 10-18 inches (25-45cm) apart based on their ultimate size. Use a garden trowel to plant each Erica, ensuring that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Finally, apply mulch to the area using bark fragments or decomposed bark, and water each Erica plant thoroughly. For optimal growth, consider adding azalea nutrients to provide essential nourishment. By following these steps, you can successfully cultivate healthy and vibrant Erica plants.
Where to plant Ericas
It’s important to think about the needs of Erica plants while choosing a location to plant them. In the summer, ericas need at least six hours of sunlight, but they prefer even more. They can tolerate the sun for the most part of the day. Sandy, well-draining soil that isn’t overly rich is required. Because Ericas don’t tolerate soggy soil, adequate drainage is essential.
Plant Ericas in clusters of three, five, or more for best results. As they get older, their leaf will join together to form a carpet that will keep weeds at bay. Consider how the colors and flowering times of any Erica plant varieties you have will blend well together if you have a variety of them. Consider the foliage color as well, as certain Erica kinds’ leaves change color with the seasons. In your yard, you may create a magnificent and low-maintenance Erica display by choosing the correct planting location and combining the plants.
How to care Ericas
Proper care of Ericas is important to keep them healthy and looking their best. Here are some tips for caring for your Ericas:
Irrigation: Newly planted Ericas, especially those planted in spring, should be irrigated during long dry spells. However, it’s important to remember that Ericas hate soggy soil, so be careful not to overwater them.
Fertilization: If growth is slow, apply a fertilizer formulated for lime-hating plants in the spring.
Pruning: Almost all Ericas are best pruned immediately after flowering. This means that spring-flowering varieties should be pruned in late spring or early summer, summer and autumn-flowering varieties should be pruned in early spring as growth begins, and winter-flowering varieties should be pruned in mid-spring, as the flowers fade and new growth is visible. Be careful not to cut into old growth at the base of the plants, as new shoots often fail to develop from there. By following these simple care instructions, you can help your Ericas thrive and look their best.
How to propagate Erica
Propagating Erica can be done in simple ways, whether you want to propagate just one or two new plants or a larger quantity. Here are two methods to propagate Erica:
- For propagating one or two plants, choose a low-growing shoot on the plant and peg it down so that it rests on the soil below the mulch. Use a hook of wire or a heavy stone to keep it in place, and replace the mulch. Roots usually develop where the shoot touches the soil. After a year, snip through the rooted shoot between the new roots and the old plant, dig up your new plant, and plant it in a new position.
- If you need to propagate more plants, you can do so by placing 2 inches (5cm) of lime-free potting mix suitable for azaleas on top of the crown of the plant as growth begins in spring. The base of all the stems will be covered with the potting mix. Water the mix to ensure it is moist and then leave it alone. Throughout the summer, new roots will develop from the base of the covered stems and grow into the potting soil. In autumn or spring, the newly rooted shoots can be snipped off at the base and planted out or grown on in pots.
FAQs
Heath, heather, or Erica?
There is often confusion between these terms, with many people using the two common names interchangeably because they are uncertain which is correct. However, Erica is the scientific name for the plants also known as heaths, while Calluna is the scientific name for the plants also known as heathers. Both groups of plants enjoy the same general features and grow in similar conditions, so this confusion rarely causes problems. Erica has increasingly been used as a common name, while Calluna is very rarely used as a common name. However, heather is sometimes used as a common name for both groups of plants. Scientifically speaking, the difference between the two is that in heaths (Erica), the petals carry the color, while in heathers (Calluna), it is the calyx (the persistent bud scales) that are colored.
Can you grow Ericas in pots?
Yes, Ericas are excellent plants to grow in containers, as long as the plants get at least six hours of sun per day, preferably more. This makes them especially good for those with limited space, as there is a huge range of Ericas available. However, it’s important to fill your containers with potting soil suitable for acid-loving plants such as azaleas.
How can you rejuvenate straggly Ericas?
First, do not simply cut the plants back to the base and wait for new shoots to grow, as this will not work. Instead, start as if you were propagating the plants by mounding. Cover the crown of your overgrown heather with 2 inches (5cm) of lime-free potting soil. Being covered with potting soil stimulates new roots and new shoots to develop. When the new shoots start to appear at the base, snip off all the old, straggly growth with pruners, allowing the new growth plenty of light in which to develop.
