Erica (Heath)
at Digging Dog
Including Erica carnea, Erica x darleyensis, and Erica vagans
Erica
Heath
Heaths have fine, short, needlelike evergreen leaves that vary from deep green to silver, gold, or chartreuse. Tiny, urn-shaped flowers sparkle like hoarfrost, in shades from white to pinks and rosy purples. Though most floriferous in winter and early spring, (and highly welcome at that dreary time!), a scheme for year-round color can be developed by combining with Callunas.
A beacon of dazzling color, the low-to-the-ground mat is cloaked in distinctive needlelike foliage set aglow with gilded yellow hues and bronzy red tips. Resulting as a sport from ‘Vivellii’ and named by J. W. Sparkes in 1955 for his sister-in-law, this lambent beauty is further heightened when her carmine-red racemes unfurl, cheering up a drab winter landscape.
Blooms February – March. Size: 6"–9" high x 12"–15" wide; hardy to zone 4. Erica carnea ‘Ann Sparkes’ (S-0637)
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This shining starlet guarantees a year-round performance. Bred by Germany’s Kurt Kramer, ‘Golden Starlet’ is favored for its bright golden foliage, snowy white blooms and tidy, low spreading habit. During the summer months, the leaves attain a glowing yellow hue, while
cooler weather brings lime-green accents and splendid flowers that last all winter.
Blooms December–March. Size: 6" high x 16" wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica carnea ‘Golden Starlet’ (S-0457)
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Deemed one of the loveliest and most decorative Heaths, this highly touted Erica displays bright rosy red flowers on a tidy, compact mound of Yew green foliage. Be sure to reserve a prominent spot for ‘King George’s abundant blooms, so you can easily relish them during winters’ gray days.
Blooms December–March. Size: 6"–9" high x 18"–2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica carnea ‘King George’ (S-0214)
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Donning the name of a castle in Wigton, Scotland, ‘Myretoun Ruby’s low spreading, Yew-green needles and deep reddish purple blooms achieve a gemlike opulence. Perhaps the darkest red flowering carnea cultivar in cultivation, this Erica’s saturated blossoms age with
bright crimson highlights. Nestle amid Ajuga ‘Emerald Chip’, and relish the wintertime splendor.
Blooms December–March. Size: 10"–12" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica carnea ‘Myretoun Ruby’ (S-0175)
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Distinguished by large, two-toned blooms and a robust yet gracious form, ‘Pink Spangles’ paints the winter landscape with a truly dynamic floral display. Shell pink sepals and rosier pink petals that open from lime-colored buds ornament this superb ground cover’s medium green, spreading foliage.
Blooms January–March. Size: 9"–12" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica carnea ‘Pink Spangles’ (S-0213)
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Clear pink flowers engulf the forest green foliage, followed by vigorous spring growth that sprouts bright bronze. Pair it in a drift with ‘Springwood White’.
Blooms October-January. Size: 10" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica carnea ‘Springwood Pink’ (S-0015)
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Creamy buds open into white flowers on this old favorite in the trade. A vigorous ground cover, it can handle inland heat and tough conditions. ‘Martha Herman’ is its best mate.
Blooms October–January. Size: 10" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5. AVAILABLE LATE SPRING 2012 Erica carnea ‘Springwood White’ (S-0016)
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This Heath brings carmine red flowers that cover a low spreading form. Its deep green summer foliage bronzes after the first frost. Match this gem with white varieties.
Blooms October-January. Size: 12" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica carnea ‘Vivelli’ (S-0725)
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Distinctive for its deep green, fine textured foliage and pleasing form, this summer blooming Erica was named in honor of the man who discovered it—Australian born Charles Eason. Very tiny short needles and slender branches make an ideal foil for the freely borne, dense clusters of glowing dark pink flowers.
Blooms June – September. Size: 12" high x 15"–20" wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica cinerea ‘C. D. Eason’ (S-0565)
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Twisted HeathIt was a British couple, Mr. and Mrs. Letts, whose keen eyes first noted this summer flowering beauty in the wilds of Cornwall and later introduced it. Ample-sized, more than abundant and long blooming, the luminous amethyst flowers sparkle like jewels upon the vigorous dark green needlelike foliage that defines ‘Purple Beauty’s exquisite, low bushy habit.
Blooms June – October. Size: 12" high x 22" wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica cinerea ‘Purple Beauty’ (S-0471)
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Deep magenta flowers decorate this durable evergreen when most plants are dormant. It’s happiest in full sun and interesting with Hebe ‘New Zealand Gold’. Some experts believe ‘Furzey’ has the best flower color among Ericas.
Blooms October–January. Size: 12" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica x darleyensis ‘Furzey’ (S-0018)
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Unparalleled among red flowering Ericas, this ornate Heath takes its name from Kurt Kramer of Germany. Stiff branches hold darkly green foliage, enhanced in winter by bronze highlights and closely set chartreuse buds that open into cerise-magenta blooms.
Blooms November–January. Size: 15" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica x darleyensis ‘Kramer’s Red’ (S-0564)
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Dainty lilac urns embellish ‘Margaret Porter’s attractive mid-green needles that comprise her low spreading form.
Blooms January-May. Size: 10" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica x darleyensis ‘Margaret Porter’ (S-0019)
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The pristine white flowers stand out against the deep green foliage, yet we favor this Heath for its form, which clumps to an almost spherical mound.
Blooms November-February. Size: 18" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 8. Erica mediterranea ‘W. T. Rackliff’ (S-0020)
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Cornish Heather
Applauded throughout the world as one of the most cherished heaths, this Erica’s deep cherry-red blooms have as much charm as the story behind them. Mrs. Maxwell’s discerning eye first spotted its good-looking, robust form while on her honeymoon in Cornwall, England and promptly sent home cuttings! Elevated above a low, deep green bush, the long, upright racemes of cylindrically arranged, irresistible blooms open from the bottom up and when spent, persist through the winter burnished in russet-brown hues.
Blooms July–September. Size: 18"–2' high x 2'–2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Erica vagans ‘Mrs. D. F. Maxwell’ (S-0607)
Each $7.25
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Great Gifts for Valentines Day!
Looking for great gifts for Valentines Day? Here are Perennials that will provide winter color and interest to a container or landscape, and will flourish in a range of zones across the country.
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