Erica cinerea C.D. Eason - Bell Heather

With its spreading habit, Erica cinerea 'C.D. Eason' is an excellent drought-resistant ground cover in acidic, non-limestone soil. Its linear, dark green leaves, resembling small needles, are evergreen in winter. Throughout summer, from July to September, numerous clusters of bright pink bell-shaped flowers appear at the end of the branches. They are nectar-rich and attract pollinating insects. Plant this undershrub as a ground cover in non-scorching sun or partial shade.

Erica cinerea belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to Western Europe where it mainly grows in heathlands. The variety 'C.D. Eason' closely resembles wild Erica cinerea. It is a compact and spreading shrub with slender branches covered in ash-coloured bark. It retains its fine dark green leaves throughout the year to provide a high-quality backdrop for its numerous bright pink, bell-shaped flowers grouped in terminal clusters from July to September. They are nectar-rich and delight pollinating insects.

In the garden, heathers will have a beautiful effect in a flower bed, a border, or even a rockery. They can be planted in a container or a large pot.
Combine them with other heathers with similar requirements (non-scorching sun, acidic and well-drained soil) that bloom at the same time or bloom in winter. You have plenty of choice: Erica cinerea 'Alba' with white summer flowers, Erica carnea 'Rosalie' covered in pink flowers from January to May, or Erica x darleyensis 'Darley Dale' with pale pink flowers from November to March. The grasses Deschampsia flexuosa 'Tatra Gold' or Anthoxanthum odoratum will bring some lightness and brightness to the composition.
Also consider heathers to flower the base of your rhododendrons or deciduous azaleas during the summer when they are not in bloom.