Erica carnea

Erica carnea (= Erica herbacea), commonly known as Winter Heath, is a dwarf shrub.

Contents 1 Naming 2 Taxonomy 3 Characteristics 3.1 Growth 3.2 Leaves 3.3 Flowers and Fruit 3.4 Root System 4 Distribution 5 Cultivation 6 Uses 7 Maintenance 8 Varities and Cultivars 9 Pests and Diseases 10 Literature 11 Non-commercial Links

[edit] Naming

Erica carnea was described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. The name is considered as validly published. The epithet carnea describes the pale pink flowers and is derived from latin carnis which means "flesh".

[edit] Taxonomy

The Winter Heath is a species in the genus Erica (heath) which contains 860 species and belongs to the family of the Ericaceae (Heath Family).

[edit] Characteristics

[edit] Growth

The subshrubs grow to a height of approximately 0,25 meters. The shoots are upright in youth and will later develop into spread, lignified carpets.

[edit] Leaves

Erica carnea is an evergreen plant with simple leaves. The up to 8 millimeter long leaves are arranged in whorls, always in fours at short intervals. They are dark green and linear with entire margins.

[edit] Flowers and Fruit

The ovate to bell-shaped flowers are arranged in dense axillaryracemes. The buds delevop already in June-July but they do not open until November (sometimes October) and will bloom until April (May).

The fruits are loculicidal capsules.

[edit] Root System

The plants develop a matted root system with many fine roots and, depending on the site, deep or rambling main roots. They also develop adventitious roots, especially on branches lying down on the soil.

[edit] Distribution

Erica carnea is native to France, Italy, Central Europe, eastern Central Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. It has been cultivated in England since around 1760.

[edit] Cultivation

The Winter Heath prefers a sunny site and can withstand temperatures down to -28,2º C. It grows best in sandy, loamy soil that is moderately moist. It should have good air circulation and should be well drained.

[edit] Uses

Erica carnea is a valuably dwarf shrub since it is very hardy, tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and shows nice flower colour in winter. It can be used in heath and rock gardens, containers, in a mixed border or as ground cover and goes nicely with other dwarf shrubs and conifers. Always keep in mind that it needs enough sun and air movement to maintain a healthy growth.

• It often happens that cultivars of Erica x darleyensis are sold as "Erica carnea - Winter Heath" (!) which is of some consequence regarding the following:

The cultivars of E. x darleyensis grow to about double the height of the Winter Heath which makes them less suited as ground cover.

E. x darleyensis is less hardy then E. carnea.

[edit] Maintenance

• Pruning: in April/May, when the plant begin to build new shoots after blooming they should be cut back to promote compact growth and longevity. Some foliage should remain after pruning, cutting back into the old wood or too late will result in poor flowering.
• Fertilizing: after pruning the plants should be given a non-chloride fertilizer at ca. 30 g/m². This will result in a better development of young shoots and more flowers in the next season since all Erica flower on this years shoots. The fertilizer shoulb be applied around the root ball. Do not apply it onto the plant or when the soil is dry sind Ericas are salt sensitive.
• Plant protection: moorland plants can be damaged by extreme drought as well as dammed-up water. In soil that is too wet and poorly aired botrytis and other fungal diseases are very likely to appear. The best way to avoid chemical measures is to choose a proper site and to prune and fertilize them at the right time.

[edit] Varities and Cultivars

A small gallery:

• 

  'Winterbeauty'

• 

  'Winterfreude'

• 

  'Golden Starlet', 'Myretoun Ruby'

• 

  'March Seedling'

• 

  'Isabell'

• 

  'Challenger'

• 

  'Vivellii'

• 

  'Myretoun Ruby'

• 

  'Golden Starlet'

• Erica carnea WHITE PERFECTION photo file 968KB.jpg

  'White Perfection'

• 

  'Whisky'

[edit] Pests and Diseases

• The black vine weevil can damage the plants. The larvae sometimes feed on the base of the plants in April/May and the grown bugs feed on the young shoots in summer.
• Spider mites suck on the leaves in August/September wich may cause yellow foliage. The mites like dry, warm conditions so spraying the plants with water can help to fight them.

[edit] Literature

• Walter Erhardt, Erich Götz, Nils Bödeker, Siegmund Seybold: Der große Zander. Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-8001-5406-7. (Ger.)
• Christoper Brickell (Editor-in-chief): RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Third edition. Dorling Kindersley, London 2003, ISBN 0-7513-3738-2.
• efloras.org

[edit] Non-commercial Links

More pictures of Erica carnea in the

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• United States Department of Agriculturees:Erica carneafr:Erica carnea