Erica x hiemalis Ericaceae French Heather Plant Care, Benefits and Propagation
This winter-flowering heather, which forms a small shrub, has erect stems with whorls of tiny deep green leaves. The 3/Vin/2-cm- long tubular flowers are pink with white tips and are borne in clusters at the ends of the stems. Erica carnea, winter heath, is another popular winter-flowering houseplant.
It has more slender stems, which are densely clothed in small, round rose-pink or purple flowers. Because they need cool conditions, winter heaths are difficult plants to keep in the home, and they should be discarded after flowering.
Erica x hiemalis Ericaceae French heather FACT FILE
ORIGIN South Africa (Cape Province); hybrids. HEIGHT
12-18in/30-46cm.
POTTING MIX Ericaceous (acidic) medium. REPOTTING Plants are
usually discarded before repotting is necessary.
PROPAGATION By semiripe stem cuttings in late summer; these are
difficult to root successfully in the home.
KEEPING PLANTS Ericas lose their
leaves rapidly in a dry atmosphere and tend to be short-lived in centrally
heated houses.
Erica x hiemalis Ericaceae French heather PLANT CARE
Bright light
with some direct sun. • Keep cool, preferably at a maximum of 50°F/10°C. • Keep
the medium moist at all times; never allow it to dry out. Use lime-free water where
possible.
• Spray the
plant frequently and stand the pot in a tray of moist gravel.
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