Winter Heath

The winter heath (Erica carnea) plant originates from Europe. It flowers from November till April even in frosty and heavy winter days. This low- growing plant serves as a perfect ground covering. It attains 1, 5 feet tall.

A young plant is notable bys an upright form; however within some time it forms a mat 2,5 feet across. The light to dark greenish-purple foliage densely covers the grayish-green stems of the plant. Resembling the needles, the narrow, short leaves are 0, 5 in long; they have the shape of lance.

Winter heath’s flowers come in the shape of a bell, opening individually on the stem. They are borne too close to each other; it seems they are a mass. Typically the color of the blossoms is white, pink, and red.

Some of the popular cultivars are‘Ann Sparks’ with carmine flowers and yellow to orange foliage, ‘Aurea’ with golden foliage and pink flowers, and many others not less attractive varieties.

Winter Heath


Permission granted to use under GFDL by Kurt Stueber

Erica carnea

Winter Heath