Plant of the Week: Erica (heather)

Plant of the Week: Erica (heather)

The sight of wild moorlands colouring brilliant purple in winter is unforgettable. Now you can have that wild beauty in your own garden with this star performer for borders and containers.

Erica makes a compact, evergreen shrub that thrives on poor soil, so doesn’t need feeding, and even tolerates neutral soil – most heathers demand acidic conditions but Ericas are more forgiving.

From November until April you’ll be rewarded with a sparkling carpet of flowers in brilliant white, pretty pink or carmine red. They’re rich with nectar, too, so early bumblebees adore feasting on their sweetness. A trim after flowering keeps them neat and handsome all year round.

 

You might also be interested in:

How to choose the perfect Christmas tree

We have a few tips on what to look out for when Christmas tree shopping, so you can shop with confidence to find the perfect tree for you.

Read more...
5 popular flowering Christmas houseplants

Here's how to care for five of our favourite Christmas plants.

Read more...
Are watering globes good for your houseplants?

If you tend to forget to water your houseplants until you see them wilting, watering globes may be the answer to your problems!

Read more...
Water saving solutions for your garden

These water-saving solutions for your garden will help you to use less water while keeping your garden looking great.

Read more...

Instagram