This is a tender Erica inland. It prefers the Oregon coast (Zone 9) and it performs there wonderfully. A large growing S.African heath that displays copious large tubular orange flowers from Aug-Nov. Excellent potted plant if you protect it from temperatures below 20ºF. Move to an unheated garage or bright cool room during times of arctic air. To 3′ x 3′ and mounding. Cut flowering stems last quite a while in water. Full sun and rich, to average soil that drains. Regular summer water. Not a particularly fussy plant. Takes coastal conditions like a champ. Spectacular in bloom. Moderate deer resistance. South Africa.
Genus: Erica
Erica terminalis
Tree heathers fascinate us and this widespread species of southern to northwestern Europe makes a fantastic, drought adapted garden plant. Fine needle like green foliage lines strongly vertical growth. In mid summer the tips of the stems produce many urn shaped pale pink blossoms that are showy for up to 6 weeks. Following the bloom period these remain on the shrub and turn a russet color adding to its charm. To 3′ x 3′ in 4 years. Full sun and well drained average soil with light summer water to establish. Once you have it going it requires no supplemental water. Great for dry areas, gravel borders, hellstrips. Excellent fine textured shrub that develops a shredded gnarled brown trunk with time. Moderate deer resistance. Gains drought adaptation with age. As with most ericaceous plants it must build up a large root system over time and then it is drought adapted and will sail through the driest summers without fainting.
Erica arborea ‘Albert’s Gold’
Very cool selection of Tree Heath that has exciting acid green/chartreuse foliage- brighter when new and masses of white flowers that smother the foliage in spring. Tough evergreen shrub for full sun and very little summer water when established. To 5′ tall and 4′ wide in 7 years for rich to average well drained soil in full sun with good air circulation. Spent flowers remain on the shrub and morph to a rust color with time- giving the whole shrub a rusty/chartreuse combination of colors. Not for formal gardens. This member of the mediterranean garrigue is drought adapted and cold hardy. Moderately fast growing. Showy in spring bloom.