Erica vagans aka Cornish Heath

Erica vagans, or Cornish heath, is a small evergreen shrub. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. Its native range covers western Europe, including Britain, France and northern Spain. In Britain, it grows on heaths in southern Cornwall. It is scarce across Britain but abundant in some Cornish sites.

This shrub spreads out to form a low, bushy mat. Its dark foliage stays on the plant through winter. The RHS lists a garden height and spread of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Its broader account gives a height of 2.6 feet [0.8 metres]. Plants take about two to five years to reach full size. Pink flowers grow in long, dense sprays during summer and autumn. The blooms add colour above the dark leaves late in the growing season.

Choose an open site that gets full sun. The soil should drain well but can retain some moisture. The RHS lists loam, sand and clay as suitable soil types. Acid to neutral soil suits it best. It also tolerates soil that is slightly alkaline. For pots, use a lime-free compost made for acid-loving plants. Both exposed and sheltered sites suit this heath. The RHS rates it H5 for UK hardiness. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8.

Its spreading growth makes it useful as ground cover. It also suits banks, slopes, borders and coastal gardens. Gardeners can grow it in courtyards, containers and informal gardens. The RHS includes it among plants for wildlife gardens. Plants For A Future suggests spacing plants about 2 feet [0.6 metres] apart. Young ground-cover plantings may need weeding during their first year. Spring clipping can help make growth denser. The RHS places routine pruning after flowering. Take semi-ripe cuttings in mid- or late summer to raise more plants.

Pests seldom cause trouble, but wet soil can bring fungal disease. Phytophthora root rot is a risk in wet conditions. Honey fungus may also occur, though the RHS calls it rare. Plants For A Future records no known food or medicinal uses. It also lists no known hazards; this does not establish food safety. Flowers provide a dye, though the source gives no details. People have used the twigs for brushes, thatch, bedding and fuel.