Erica cinerea aka Bell Heather
Taxonomy
Erica cinerea, commonly known as the bell heather, is a compact, mat-forming, evergreen shrub native to western and central Europe. This small, hardy shrub reaches a height of around 15cm and features fine, pale greenish-yellow leaves with red shoot tips. From early summer into autumn, it produces short spikes of beautiful purple to deep pinkish-red flowers. Not only does Erica cinerea add aesthetic appeal to gardens, but it also serves as a valuable source of nectar for pollinators. In fact, it has been rated among the top 5 plants for nectar production in the UK. When planted alongside other heathers, it can create a multi-hued Persian carpet groundcover, providing year-round flowers and foliage.
Common names
Bell Heather, Gray Heath, Scotch Heath, Purple HeatherHow to care for Bell Heather
Difficulty
Caring for Bell Heather is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Bell Heather should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Bell Heather loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Bell Heather requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Gray Heath is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Erica Genus
Erica sessiliflora Erica Sessiliflora
Erica cinerea Bell Heather
Erica abietina Honeysuckle Heath
Erica pulchella Erica Pulchella
Erica ericoides Erica Ericoides
