Erica darleyensis Winter Belles PhoebeWinter Heath

Heather is a rather low-growing plant with fine foliage that bears a multitude of small bell-shaped flowers in pink or white. Winter heather, from the genus Erica, adds colour to the garden at a time when flowers are scarce. In contrast, summer heather, Calluna vulgaris, offers a summer flowering that can last until mid-autumn, but the plant remains decorative in winter due to its evergreen foliage. It is possible to alternate varieties to enjoy their flowering throughout the year! They are generally low plants, perfect for borders, rockeries, or to dress the front of flower beds... However, there are also shrubby heathers, such as <em>Erica arborea</em>, which flowers in spring and can reach heights of up to 4 metres. Heathers are easy plants to grow. They require very little maintenance, do not need fertiliser, and can do without watering, except in cases of prolonged drought. They prefer rather acidic, poor, well-draining soils, and sunny or lightly shaded situations. They multiply easily by layering. In the garden, they pair very well with other ericaceous plants: rhododendron, camellia, Japanese andromeda... They are also good melliferous plants!