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(Erica cinerea)
Bell Heather (Erica cinerea)
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Arthur Gelling
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Arthur Gelling
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Arthur Gelling | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Arthur Gelling | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-21T16:58:43-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Erica cinerea, commonly known as Bell Heather, is an evergreen subshrub native to heathlands and moors of Western Europe, particularly in the UK and Ireland. It typically grows 15–60 cm (5.9–23.6 in) tall and is characterized by its fine needle-like leaves, which are 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) long and arranged in whorls of three. The bell-shaped flowers are predominantly purple, occasionally white, and measure 4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 in) long. They bloom in mid- to late summer and are notably dry to the touch, resembling the texture of strawflower. Bell Heather is valued for its vibrant flower colors and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
Bell Heather is a popular ornamental plant, often selected for its drought tolerance and the striking contrast its flowers provide against the dark green foliage. It is well-suited for rock gardens, as ground cover, and in combination with dwarf conifers. While it prefers full sun, it can also tolerate part shade. It requires well-drained, acidic soil and does not do well in alkaline conditions, where it may exhibit signs of iron deficiency. In addition to its ornamental use, Bell Heather has been used traditionally for thatching roofs and as a natural dye. It is important to avoid overwatering and to provide protection from harsh winter winds.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bell Heather is a popular ornamental plant, often selected for its drought tolerance and the striking contrast its flowers provide against the dark green foliage. It is well-suited for rock gardens, as ground cover, and in combination with dwarf conifers. While it prefers full sun, it can also tolerate part shade. It requires well-drained, acidic soil and does not do well in alkaline conditions, where it may exhibit signs of iron deficiency. In addition to its ornamental use, Bell Heather has been used traditionally for thatching roofs and as a natural dye. It is important to avoid overwatering and to provide protection from harsh winter winds.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
- Height: 0.5-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Heathlands and moors of Western Europe, particularly in the UK and Ireland
Other Names
Common Names: Scotch Heath, Gray Heath, Graue Glockenheide, Bruyère Cendrée, Rode Dophei, Purpurljung, Grau-Heide, Bell-Heather
Scientific Names: , Erica cinerea, Erica viridipurpurea, Erica cinerea var. alba, Erica tenuifolia, Erica cinerea f. alba, Eremocallis cinerea, Erica cinerea subsp. alba, Erica humilis, Erica mutabilis
GBIF Accepted Name: Erica cinerea L.