Erica nana Limoncello - Dwarf Heather

Erica nana Limoncello 'NICO1' is a compact form of the astonishing dwarf heather that covers Table Mountain in South Africa with golden flowers in spring. It is a small, densely bushy shrub that is covered in bright lemon-yellow tubular flowers, so numerous that they almost hide its fine dark green foliage. With a slow growth but good longevity under the right conditions, it should thrive in a seaside garden with sandy and humus-rich soil. Elsewhere, it can be grown in pots and overwintered in a cold greenhouse protected from frost. This heather cannot tolerate cold, heavy soils, and limestone. 

Erica nana Limoncello 'NICO1' belongs to the large Ericaceae family. It is a cultivar derived from the dwarf heather Erica nana, a South African botanical species endemic to the mountains of the Cape region. In nature, this spreading shrub grows in acidic soils at high altitudes, anchored in rocks and cliffs. It is a habitat characterised by cold and humid winters and hot and dry summers. The transitional seasons are tempered by the dominant oceanic winds, which limit the heat and provide some humidity. This cultivar differs from the type by its upright habit, compact size, and its reduced hardiness. 

Erica nana Limoncello 'NICO1' is highly branched, is taller than wide, and is supported by numerous upright branches. The slow-growing shrub will reach about 50 cm (19.7 in) in height and 40 cm (15.7 in) in spread at maturity. Its branches bear small needle-like evergreen leaves, which are non-prickly and dark green, arranged in groups of four. It is a highly floriferous plant between April and May. The flowers are clustered in bouquets and are produced at the ends of short branches. At opening, the tubular corolla, 2 cm (0.8 in) long, is yellowish-green, then quickly turns bright yellow, producing a spectacular effect. 

Erica nana Limoncello 'NICO1' is an ideal shrub for landscaping coastal gardens spared from heavy frosts. In light and non-limestone soil, it can be planted with shorter heathers that bloom in various colours: Erica mediterranea, E. carnea, or E. darleyensis offer blooms ranging from pure white to purplish-violet, as well as all shades of pink and red in winter and spring. This plant will work wonders in a rockery or raised bed with Lithodora or a creeping ceanothus for example (Ceanothus repens). This heather can form a decorative scene when grouped with 3 to 5 specimens. Cultivation in pots should be done in moist but well-drained substrate such as ericaceous soil.