Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Erica gracilis or Cape heath

The genus Erica, family Ericaceae, comprises 700 species of shrubs native to Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Erica gracillis, Erica arborea, Erica umbellata, Erica multiflora, Erica hyemalis, Erica erigena.

Common names: Cape heath, Heather family, Pink bell heather. This species is native to South Africa.

They are small compact shrubs that reach 40 cm (1.31 feet) in height. The leaves are small, linear and deep green in color. The abundant globose flowers are pink or white. They bloom in fall and can bloom again in early spring.

Cape heath is used in pots and to cover small areas of the garden protected from the cold. It attracts bees.

Erica gracilis prefers full sun exposure and warm climates such as the Mediterranean climate. It resists frosts down to -2 ºC (28.4 ºF).

Heather family can grow in any well-drained soil: calcareous, rocky, sandy or poor. The pot transplant is done in spring.

Water moderately, waiting until the soil has dried. Pink bell heather resists several days of drought.

Cape heath does not need fertilizers.

Prune faded flowers after flowering; Prune in early spring to maintain compact growth.

Erica gracilis is resistant to pests but are sensitive to overwatering.

Pink bell heather propagates from lateral shoot cuttings in early spring.

Images of the shrub Erica gracilis or Cape heath