Erica canaliculata 'Rosea'

 

  Christmas Heather

  Family: Ericaceae

  Origin: Native to South Africa

Hardiness: Hardy in zone 9 and zone 10
Growth: Slow growth to 4 to 6 feet
Form: Upright and spreading to 2 to 4 feet; fine textured
Leaves: Needle-like; 1/4"; dark green with white undersides
Flowers: Pink; 1/8" in clusters of 3-6 at tips; fall to winter
Fruit or Seeds:
Exposure: Plant in full sun at coast, in light shade inland
Water: Prefers moist soil but tolerates some drought
Soil: Sandy soils with peat added; not in heavy clays
Fertilizer: Acid food or cottonseed meal in spring
Prune: Cut back lightly after bloom
Problems: Few problems

Good winter color for southern California. 'Rosea' is pink; 'Rubra' is purplish red.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to California Plant Finder Index.