Alpine Heath

Erica carnea (ER-ee-kuh KAR-nee-uh)

Family: Ericaceae Non-native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

The scientific name Erica is said to be derived from the Greek word ereiken which translates to 'to break', referring to the late winter/early spring flowers breaking the grip that the cold seasons bring. A low-growing evergreen shrub or ground cover that is attractive year-round. Prefers sandy, acidic, well-drained soil. It will tolerate alkaline soil, however the overall health of the plant will be affected. It may be necessary to plant in raised beds to achieve adequate drainage. Avoid clay soils. If no alternative is available, improve the soil by adding peat or a coarse grit. This plant forms a dense mat over time and makes an excellent choice for slopes. Plants prefer cool summer temperatures, so they are a challenge in the south. Some afternoon shade would be beneficial. With over 100 named cultivars, the colors available range from white to shades of both pink and purple. The most common cultivars are 'King George' and 'Springwood White'. Prune it right after flowering in the spring to avoid leafless stems, by trimming to the base of the flowering spike. Also after flowering, cut the leafy stems by half which will trigger branching out to keep the plant tight and dense. Caution should be used to not cut back too far as heather has been known to have issues creating new shoots from old wood. This plant can dry out quickly, new plants should be watered often and deeply. It is in the same family as and closely related to Scotch heather ( Calluna vulgaris ). Quick ID Hints : Evergreen shrub with linear, needle-like leaves Leaves are in whorls of 3 or 4, at 90 degrees to stem Small, urceolate flowers** in leaf axils; anther protrudes Evergreen, prostrate shrub to small shrubby tree. Bloom time varies with species (there are over 700), but is usually early spring to fall. Some species are used as ground covers whereas others are shrubs or even tree-like. Its leaves are always needle-like and whorled and flowers are urceolate, urn shaped. It requires moist, well-drained soil with high organic content and low fertility, full sun to part shade. It is intolerant of hot, dry conditions or heavy pruning (into the wood). Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Powdery mildew, rust, and wilt occasionally occur, in poorly drained soils root rot can affect this plant. Failure to prune annually can result in an unsightly garden. Proper drainage is a must for this plant. Stagnant water will damage the health of the plant. Full sun should be avoided for cultivars with gold or bronze foliage, as they are more likely to be sunburned.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 53 attributes.