Erica canaliculata - Heath

If the Erica canaliculata is also known as Christmas Heather, it is undoubtedly because of the wonderful winter flowering that makes it stand out from afar in the garden during the shortest days of winter. Its pale pink to rose-violet bell-shaped flowers are scattered along its upright branches, completely covering this bush from which rises a characteristic, somewhat sweetish scent reminiscent of certain soaps. From its South African origins, this wild heather has retained a certain lack of hardiness and a preference for mild and humid climates. Plant it in isolation or in groups of 3, in a coastal, wild or romantic garden: this is how it will be at its most beautiful!

Erica canaliculata, like all heathers, belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to the Eastern and Western Capes of South Africa and naturalized in the south of Australia. It is a moderately hardy shrub, perfectly adapted to coastal areas and poor, well-drained, acidic, sandy, and occasionally dry soils. It has evergreen foliage. Its species name, canaliculata, means "channelled leaves". Its hardiness is around -7/-8°C for a short period. This plant has been awarded in England by the Royal Horticultural Society.

This beautiful bush with a flexible and very dense habit and rather slow growth, generally does not exceed 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in all directions. Its lifespan is around 15 years. The branches are thin, supple and covered with tiny green, soft, needle-like leaves. Flowering takes place from November to February, earlier or later depending on the climate, and lasts almost 2 months. Its flowers resemble small urns, about 3 to 4 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) long and 2 mm (0.1 in) wide, with protruding brown stamens. Their colour is a beautiful pale pink to rose-violet, slightly mauve, and they are so numerous on the bush that they transform it into a pink cloud. These flowers are gathered in generous long clusters scattered along the branches, amidst linear, fine leaves, 3 to 10 mm (0.1 to 0.4 in) long. The evergreen foliage is dark green.

Undemanding, very floriferous, tolerating sea spray well and endowed with the charm of wild plants, it is an ideal shrub for landscaping coastal gardens in not-too-dry regions. This large heather can be associated with shorter species and varieties that bloom at the same time in various colours: Erica carnea or darleyensis offer blooms ranging from pure white to purple-violet, as well as all shades of pink and red in winter and spring. It can also be paired with shrubby veronicas (Hebe), small-sized Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Tumb), Viburnum fragrans, dwarf hollies, or even Chimonanthus praecox. In a naturalistic garden, this heather can form an extremely romantic setting, in isolated groups of 3 to 5, during a season when flowers are rare.