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.
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.
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.
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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