Also known as Heath · 328 saves
Erica
Erica, the genus most gardeners know as heath. We track 12 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 10 most-saved Erica varieties
Browse all 12 Erica varieties →
5 species of Erica
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Erica in Sow
Save the Erica you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Erica
Whats common across all Erica varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 12 most-grown of them.
The Erica year
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Shear lightly immediately after flowers fade to maintain dense habit
- MulchApril and November83% of varieties
Refresh mulch (pine needles or bark) to maintain soil acidity
- PlantApril, October and November75% of varieties
Plant in well-drained, acidic soil in early spring or fall
- FertilizeMarch and April67% of varieties
Apply acid-loving fertilizer in early spring if growth is weak
- Check for PestsJune and July33% of varieties
Monitor for spider mites, especially during hot, dry periods.
Do
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape the shrub
- Apply acidic fertilizer during active growth
- Feed with acid-loving fertilizer during growing season
Avoid
- Do not prune in late fall or winter
- Refrain from heavy pruning during late fall or winter
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Erica
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted new growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use horticultural oil and maintain humidity |
| Spider Mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with miticide |
| aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root Rot | Wilting despite watering, brown roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves with blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicidal spray and ensure good air circulation |
Making more Erica
Cuttings
- Select healthy, semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch segments and remove lower leaves.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant in acidic, well-draining compost.
- Keep soil moist and maintain high humidity for 6 weeks.
Seeds
- Sow seeds on surface of moist, acidic soil in early spring
- Lightly cover with soil
- Keep soil consistently moist and warm for germination
Erica questions
How many types of Erica are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 12 distinct Erica varieties. The most popular — ranked by 328 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Erica grow in?
Across its varieties, Erica covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Erica bloom?
Most Erica varieties bloom in late winter, early spring, mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Erica should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.