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Get Premium Darley Dale Heath
(Erica ×darleyensis)
Darley Dale Heath (Erica ×darleyensis)
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Magnus Manske
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Magnus Manske
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Magnus Manske | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Magnus Manske | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Erica_x_darleyensis_'J._W._Porter'_(Ericaceae)_flower.jpg |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Erica ×darleyensis, commonly known as Darley Dale Heath or Winter Heath, is an evergreen shrub resulting from a cross between E. carnea and E. erigena. This hybrid is native to garden settings and does not have a specific native habitat ecology, but its parent species are typically found in heathlands and mountainous regions of Europe. It has a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 1.5-2 feet (0.46-0.6 meters) and widths of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). Darley Dale Heath is characterized by its dense, bushy form and needle-like foliage. It produces abundant pink or purple flowers that are particularly showy, blooming from winter into spring and providing color during a time when few other plants are in flower.
The plant is valued for its long flowering period and ability to provide winter interest in the garden. It is commonly used for ground cover, rock gardens, and border planting. Erica ×darleyensis thrives in acidic, well-drained sandy or loamy soils and prefers full sun to part shade. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It is generally low-maintenance but benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote vigorous growth. There are no significant disease problems, but root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant is valued for its long flowering period and ability to provide winter interest in the garden. It is commonly used for ground cover, rock gardens, and border planting. Erica ×darleyensis thrives in acidic, well-drained sandy or loamy soils and prefers full sun to part shade. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It is generally low-maintenance but benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote vigorous growth. There are no significant disease problems, but root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Border Plant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Garden settings without a specific native habitat ecology
Other Names
Common Names: Winter Heath , Erica Darleyensis
Scientific Names: Erica ×darleyensis , Erica carnea var. hybrida , Erica mediterranea var. hybrida , Erica ×darleyensis f. alba , Erica ×darleyensis f. albiflora
GBIF Accepted Name: