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ERICA x darleyensis

Image of Erica x darleyensis

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

Family

Ericaceae

Botanical Name

ERICA x darleyensis

Plant Common Name

Hybrid Heath

General Description

The hybrid of winter heath and Irish heath, this low evergreen shrub bears clusters of small white to rose-pink bell-shaped flowers over many weeks in winter and early spring. The small, needle-like, whorled leaves are typically dark green, but in some cultivars are yellow, bronze, or variegated.

This plant prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil, full sun, and protection from drying winds. It tolerates neutral soil and short periods of drought. It is often used in the rock garden, or as an edging or ground cover.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 7

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    8"-24" / 20.3cm - 61.0cm

  • Width

    18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Winter

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Pink, Rose

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Yellow, Dark Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Yellow, Dark Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Dark Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Yellow, Dark Green, Bronze

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No