Care of the shrub Erica multiflora or Mediterranean Heather |
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The genus Erica, family Ericaceae, comprises 700 species of shrubs native to Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Erica multiflora, Erica hyemalis, Erica gracillis, Erica arborea, Erica umbellata, Erica erigena. Common names: Winter Heather, Mediterranean Heather. This species is native to the Mediterranean region. They are shrubs with an erect bearing and brown bark that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are small (1 cm/0.39" long), linear and deep green in color. The flowers are small but appear in large numbers, bell-shaped, and can be pink or white. They can bloom from mid-summer to mid-winter. They are used for informal hedges, as isolated specimens and in bushy groups together with plants of the genus Cistus, Genista, Retama and Arbutus. Erica multiflora needs direct sun exposure and a Mediterranean climate. They resist weak and occasional frosts. They prefer calcareous and well-drained soils; avoid acid soils with abundant organic matter. They resist drought well; water moderately waiting for the soil to dry out. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are resistant plants to the usual pests but fear excess moisture. They propagate by seeds sown in the spring or by cuttings of young shoots during the summer. |
Images of the shrub Erica multiflora or Mediterranean Heather |
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