Recommended vaRieties foR the gaRden
Erica carnea f. alba ‘Springwood White’
– One of the most popular green-leaved winter heathers because of its vigour, profusion of large white flowers, with brown stamens, and the way that it quickly covers ground. A green-leaved variety, growing to just 8in (20cm) tall and spreading to 18in (45cm).
E. carnea ‘Myretoun Ruby’
– This heather provides a bold splash of winter colour. Its flowers mature from deep pink to crimson, with black stamens, showing on very short green-leaved plants, 6in (15cm) tall and 18in (45cm) wide.
Erica carnea f. aureifolia ‘Foxhollow’
– A good choice for year-round interest, with attractive yellow, bronze-tipped leaves, which intensify to orangey-red in cold weather. The flowers are pale pink to pale purple, with brown stamens. Height and spread: 10in by 16in (25 x 40cm).
E. carnea ‘Loughrigg’
– A good green-leaved, ground cover selection, spreading up to 24in (60cm), but growing just 6in (15cm) tall. This plant becomes smothered in mauve-pink flowers, with dark purple stamens.
E. x darleyensis ‘Furzey’
– ‘Furzey’ grows to 12in (30cm) tall and 24in (60cm) wide. It has lilac-pink flowers, with black stamens. In spring, the tips of the normally green leaves become tinged with pink.
E. x darleyensis f. aureifolia ‘Mary Helen’
– This heather is very free-flowering, with stems covered in light pink flowers, with dark purple stamens on yellowish-golden foliage, which is at its most vibrant in winter. Height and spread: 10in by 18in (25 x 45cm).
E. x darleyensis ‘Ghost Hills’
– A large winter heather, growing to 20in (50cm) tall and 40in (1m) wide. Its bright green foliage is tipped with cream in spring, and the flowers are purply-pink, with maroon stamens.
Erica arborea var. alpina
– This form makes a tall, bushy shrub, with bright green foliage on long vertical stems that are clothed in scented white flowers in winter. Height and spread: 8ft 3in by 40in (2.5 x 1m).