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Erica tetralix - Heath

Erica tetralix
Cross-leaved Heath

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Arrived in a very dry state, I'm not sure if they will recover.

Jo, 08/10/2024

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More information

A spreading undershrub with thin, twisted and erect branches, adorned with small greyish-green evergreen leaves. Between June and August, this heather bears small clusters of bell-shaped, pale pink flowers at the top of its stems. It forms a spreading carpet with silver highlights, displaying a wild and delicate beauty. This is a plant that thrives in wet climates. Plant it in full sun in acidic, well-drained, moist soil.
Flower size
7 mm
Height at maturity
20 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time April to May, August to November
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Flowering time June to August
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Description

Erica tetralix, the bog heather, is highly valued as a ground cover. It is a spreading shrub with few, thin, twisted and erect branches, adorned with small greyish-green, evergreen leaves with a white underside. In summer, it produces small clusters of pale pink bell-shaped flowers at the top of its reddish-purple stems. Less dense and more upright than other heathers, this species possesses a wild and delicate beauty that will find its place in open and challenging spaces in the garden. Plant it in full sun in well-drained, acidic and moist soil.

Erica tetralix is a native species of Western Europe, particularly in regions influenced by the maritime climate. It is hardy down to -30ºC. This species is attractive due to its spreading habit, bright foliage, and charming pink flowering in summer. This small, spreading evergreen shrub will reach approximately 20 cm high and 30 cm wide at maturity, with a relatively slow growth rate. Its lifespan is around 10 to 15 years. It usually flowers for several weeks between June and August, depending on the climate. Its flowers are small pink urns that lighten in colour. They are gathered in sparse umbels of 5 to 12 pendulous, slightly fragrant flowers at the tops of the stems, amidst thread-like, sessile leaves arranged in whorls of 4. The branches and foliage are covered in sticky hairs that catch the light.

Erica tetralix makes an excellent ground cover for acidic, peaty, and moist soils. It can be easily combined with other perennial plants for wet banks.

Erica tetralix - Heath in pictures

Erica tetralix - Heath (Flowering) Flowering
Erica tetralix - Heath (Foliage) Foliage
Erica tetralix - Heath (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 7 mm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Flowering description The flowers of heather are nectar-rich and more or less fragrant. They produce high-quality, dark honey, with a well-structured flavour.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Erica

Species

tetralix

Family

Ericaceae

Other common names

Cross-leaved Heath

Origin

Western Europe

Product reference894191

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Planting and care

Erica tetralix enjoys full sun, which enhances its flowering, and can grow in any type of acidic soil, even clayey, as long as it is well-drained and moist to wet.

During planting, it is a good idea to break the root ball a little, trim any overly long roots, and plant in a hole measuring 30x30 cm, filled with a mixture of organic matter, ericaceous compost, and garden soil. Water it once or twice a week depending on the ambient temperature, to keep the soil moist while the plant establishes itself. To maintain a compact habit and increase the lifespan of the heather, prune back the faded branches to 2-5 cm from the previous year's growth each year after flowering, making sure not to cut below the last green leaves. Erica can also be susceptible to phythium and rhizoctonia during hot and humid periods.

Fertiliser is not necessary, and it is even advised against so as not to promote foliage at the expense of flowers (heathers are generally plants of poor soils).

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Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time April to May, August to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Pond edge
Type of use Border, Edge of border
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 6 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Acidic
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil

Care

Pruning instructions To maintain a compact habit and increase the lifespan of the heather, prune back the faded branches to 2-5 cm from the previous year's shoot each year after flowering, making sure to never prune below the last green leaves.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time April to May
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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