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(Erica carnea)
Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
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Robert Flogaus-Faust
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Robert Flogaus-Faust
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Robert Flogaus-Faust | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 | Uploader: Robert Flogaus-Faust | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Erica_carnea_2_RF.jpg | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Erica carnea, commonly known as Winter Heath, is an evergreen subshrub native to the mountainous regions of Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe, where it thrives on the open, rocky slopes and in the alpine heathlands. It typically grows to a height of 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) and spreads 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). Winter Heath has a dense, mat-forming habit with needle-like foliage and produces bell-shaped flowers that range in color from dark reddish-pink to white, blooming from late winter to early spring, sometimes peeking through the snow.
This plant is valued for its early flowering period, providing color in the garden when few other plants are in bloom. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and evergreen foliage, which offers year-round interest. Winter Heath is commonly used in rock gardens, as ground cover, and in containers. It prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soils and full sun to partial shade. While it tolerates mildly alkaline soils, it thrives best in acidic conditions. Regular watering is necessary, especially in dry periods, but it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Some cultivars, such as ’Springwood White’ and ’Vivelli’, are particularly notable for their flower color and vigor. Potential problems include root rot in poorly drained soils and susceptibility to pests like vine weevil.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its early flowering period, providing color in the garden when few other plants are in bloom. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and evergreen foliage, which offers year-round interest. Winter Heath is commonly used in rock gardens, as ground cover, and in containers. It prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soils and full sun to partial shade. While it tolerates mildly alkaline soils, it thrives best in acidic conditions. Regular watering is necessary, especially in dry periods, but it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Some cultivars, such as ’Springwood White’ and ’Vivelli’, are particularly notable for their flower color and vigor. Potential problems include root rot in poorly drained soils and susceptibility to pests like vine weevil.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Open, rocky slopes and alpine heathlands, prefers acidic to neutral soils, drought-tolerant once established, potential problems with root rot and pests
Other Names
Common Names: Winter Heath , Alpine Heath , Spring Heath
Scientific Names: Erica carnea , Erica bracteata , Erica carnea f. alba , Erica carnea f. albiflora , Erica carnea f. purpurascens , Erica carnea subsp. carnea , Erica carnea subsp. mediterranea , Erica carnea var. alba , Erica carnea var. purpurascens , Erica herbacea
GBIF Accepted Name: