Erica tetralix aka Bog Heather

Taxonomy

Erica tetralix, commonly known as the cross-leaved heath, is a compact evergreen shrub belonging to the family Ericaceae. It is native to western Europe, ranging from southern Portugal to central Norway, and can also be found in boggy regions further inland in Central Europe, including Austria and Switzerland. In its natural habitats of bogs, wet heaths, and damp coniferous woodlands, E. tetralix can often dominate the flora. This species has also been introduced to certain parts of North America. The cross-leaved heath is characterized by its small, slightly hairy grey-green leaves, which are arranged in whorls of four along slender stems. Standing at a height of approximately 25cm, this shrub produces clusters of urn-shaped flowers. These flowers initially open in the palest pink shade with dark pink tips, gradually maturing to a salmon pink hue. The blooming period for E. tetralix occurs from midsummer to early autumn. While Erica tetralix thrives as a houseplant, it is considered super rare. To ensure its well-being, regular watering is necessary. It prefers to be placed in an area with long-lasting, direct light, ideally positioned less than a foot away from a window. Additionally, this plant prefers soil that is well draining.

Common names

Bog Heather, Crossleaf Heath, Cross Leaf Heath, Cross Leaved Heath

How to care for Bog Heather

Water

Bog Heather should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bog 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

Bog Heather thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Cross Leaf Heath.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Bog Heather’s native range is Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to Spain east to N. Germany and Poland.


More info:
Wikipedia