Erica (Heath)
at Digging Dog

Including Erica carnea, Erica x darleyensis, and Erica vagans

Erica

Heath

Heaths have fine, short, needlelike evergreen leaves that vary from deep green to silver, gold, or chartreuse. Tiny, urn-shaped flowers sparkle like hoarfrost, in shades from white to pinks and rosy purples. Though most floriferous in winter and early spring, (and highly welcome at that dreary time!), a scheme for year-round color can be developed by combining with Callunas.

Erica carnea ‘Ann Sparkes’   

A beacon of dazzling color, the low-to-the-ground mat is cloaked in distinctive needlelike foliage set aglow with gilded yellow hues and bronzy red tips. Resulting as a sport from ‘Vivellii’ and named by J. W. Sparkes in 1955 for his sister-in-law, this lambent beauty is further heightened when her carmine-red racemes unfurl, cheering up a drab winter landscape.

Blooms February–March.

Size: 6"–9" high x 12"–15" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Erica carnea Ann Sparkes (S-0637)
Each $6.00
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Erica carnea ‘Golden Starlet’   

This shining starlet guarantees a year-round performance. Bred by Germany’s Kurt Kramer, ‘Golden Starlet’ is favored for its bright golden foliage, snowy white blooms and tidy, low spreading habit. During the summer months, the leaves attain a glowing yellow hue, while cooler weather brings lime-green accents and splendid flowers that last all winter.

Blooms December–March.

Size: 6" high x 16" wide; hardy to zone 5.

Erica carnea Golden Starlet (S-0457)
Each $6.00
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Erica carnea ‘King George’   

Deemed one of the loveliest and most decorative Heaths, this highly touted Erica displays bright rosy red flowers on a tidy, compact mound of Yew green foliage. Be sure to reserve a prominent spot for ‘King George’s abundant blooms, so you can easily relish them during winters’ gray days.

Blooms December–March.

Size: 6"–9" high x 18"–2' wide; hardy to zone 5.

Erica carnea King George (S-0214)
Each $6.00
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Erica carnea ‘Myretoun Ruby’   

Donning the name of a castle in Wigton, Scotland, ‘Myretoun Ruby’s low spreading, Yew-green needles and deep reddish purple blooms achieve a gemlike opulence. Perhaps the darkest red flowering carnea cultivar in cultivation, this Erica’s saturated blossoms age with bright crimson highlights. Nestle amid Ajuga ‘Emerald Chip’, and relish the wintertime splendor.

Blooms December–March.

Size: 10"–12" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5.

Erica carnea Myretoun Ruby (S-0175)
Each $6.00
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Erica carnea ‘Pink Spangles’   

Distinguished by large, two-toned blooms and a robust yet gracious form, ‘Pink Spangles’ paints the winter landscape with a truly dynamic floral display. Shell pink sepals and rosier pink petals that open from lime-colored buds ornament this superb ground cover’s medium green, spreading foliage.

Blooms January–March.

Size: 9"–12" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5.

AVAILABLE MAY 2008

Erica carnea Pink Spangles (S-0213)
Each $6.00
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Erica carnea ‘Springwood White’   

Creamy buds open into white flowers on this old favorite in the trade. A vigorous ground cover, it can handle inland heat and tough conditions. ‘Martha Herman’ is its best mate.

Blooms October–January.

Size: 10" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5.

Erica carnea Springwood White (S-0016)
Each $6.00
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Erica cinerea ‘Purple Beauty’   

Twisted Heath

It was a British couple, Mr. and Mrs. Letts, whose keen eyes first noted this summer flowering beauty in the wilds of Cornwall and later introduced it. Ample-sized, more than abundant and long blooming, the luminous amethyst flowers sparkle like gems upon ‘Purple Beauty’s vigorous, low growing habit that makes an exquisite, dark green bushy ground cover.

Blooms June–October.

Size: 12" high x 22" wide; hardy to zone 5.

Erica cinerea Purple Beauty (S-0471)
Each $6.00
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Erica vagans ‘Mrs. D. F. Maxwell’   

Applauded throughout the world as one of the most cherished heaths, this Erica’s deep cherry-red blooms have as much charm as the story behind them. Mrs. Maxwell’s discerning eye first spotted its good-looking, robust form while on her honeymoon in Cornwall, England and promptly sent home cuttings! Elevated above a low, deep green bush, the long, upright racemes of cylindrically arranged, irresistible blooms open from the bottom up and when spent, persist through the winter burnished in russet-brown hues.

Blooms July–September.

Size: 18"–2' high x 2'–2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 5.

Erica vagans Mrs. D. F. Maxwell (S-0607)
Each $6.00
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Erica x darleyensis ‘Furzey’   

Deep magenta flowers decorate this durable evergreen when most plants are dormant. It’s happiest in full sun and interesting with Hebe ‘New Zealand Gold’. Some experts believe ‘Furzey’ has the best flower color among Ericas.

Blooms October–January.

Size: 12" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5.

Erica x darleyensis Furzey (S-0018)
Each $6.00
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Erica x darleyensis ‘Kramer’s Red’   

Unparalleled among red flowering Ericas, this ornate Heath takes its name from Kurt Kramer of Germany. Stiff branches hold darkly green foliage, enhanced in winter by bronze highlights and closely set chartreuse buds that open into cerise-magenta blooms.

Blooms November–January.

Size: 15" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5.

Erica x darleyensis Kramer’s Red (S-0564)
Each $6.00
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