Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
ERICA vagans 'Mrs D.F. Maxwell'
Plant Common Name
Cornish Heather, Mrs D.F. Maxwell Heather
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Fine, bright green foliage may turn russet-brown in the chill of winter on the Mrs. D.F. Maxwell heather, and summer finds tip-clusters of tiny rose-pink flowers. A robust, hardy, evergreen shrub with a low, rounded or mounding shape, this selection was found on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, England.
Its foliage is small and needle-like, bright o dark green and attractive on the upward-reaching stems. From midsummer to mid-fall, the branch tips are heavily lined in clusters of bell-shaped or cylindrical, deep rosy pink flowers. In winter, the foliage can blush with tones of bronze and brown.
Grow Cornish heather in full to partial sun in any well-draining soil that is very acidic to neutral in pH. It is also tolerant of rocky, nutrient poor, alkaline and clay soils as long as organic matter is incorporated. Cornish heather is considered one of the most drought tolerant heather species, and thus is great massed on rocky hillsides, or as an accent in a dwarf conifer garden or alongside other heaths and heathers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 7
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Sunset Zone
3b, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
12"-20" / 30.5cm - 50.8cm
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Europe, United Kingdom
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Rose
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green, Bronze
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Bark Color
Coral, Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
