Erica mammosa is a slow-growing and long-lived, robust, erect, well-branched shrub, 0.5-1.0 m tall, growing to a height of 1.8 m if left undisturbed. It has small, linear leaves, 6-10 mm long, arranged in whorls of 4 to 6. The flowers are inflated-tubular with a closed mouth and are 15-20 mm long. They form dense spike-like inflorescences, up to 200 mm long, towards the tips of the main branches. The flowers are borne singly or in pairs in the axil of a leaf. Flower colour varies from locality to locality and from bush to bush, ranging from orange-red, purple, dark red, greenish cream, and white, to various shades of pink.
How to Grow and Care
A large genus of useful evergreen perennials. Ericas vary in growth habit, from low spreading and ground-cover to taller more bushy plants. A wide range of flower colours are available, from white through to all shades of pink and red to mauve. With careful selection heathers can be used to provide long-lasting colour in the garden, from spring to late winter.
General height and spread 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm), depending on variety, soil and growing conditions.
Uses in the garden include, sunny border plants (if soil is suitable), evergreen ground cover, heather garden or a large rock garden.
Planting and Growing Erica
Plant in a sunny position in well-drained acidic soil. Most heathers prefer acid soils but several varieties, including E. carnea, E. darleyensis, E. medditerranea and E. terminalis, will tolerate alkaline conditions.
Most varieties are fully hardy with a few exceptions, such as Erica gracilis and Erica x hyemalis (Cape heaths). Treat these as winter-flowering heathers for the greenhouse. Both require lime-free soil and regular watering. Dead head regularly and stand outside in summer.
Taking Care of Heathers
Trim back to base of flowering spikes as soon as the flowers have faded to rejuvenate plants. Top-dress with ericaceous compost. Water well in first season then water as necessary particularly in dry weather. Do not let soil dry out in summer.
Propagating Heather
Propagate by layering in autumn (allowing 12 months to root fully) or by taking short side-shoot cuttings in mid to late summer and root them in well drained soil in a cold frame. Do not remove the lower leaves but simply insert to about half their depth in free draining ericaceous compost.
- ALSO READ some more info How to Grow and Care for Heaths and Heathers
- Scientific name: Erica mammosa L.
- Common names: Nine-pin heath
- Family: Ericaceae
- Genus: Erica
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| source pic: flickr.com |
A large genus of useful evergreen perennials. Ericas vary in growth habit, from low spreading and ground-cover to taller more bushy plants. A wide range of flower colours are available, from white through to all shades of pink and red to mauve. With careful selection heathers can be used to provide long-lasting colour in the garden, from spring to late winter.
General height and spread 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm), depending on variety, soil and growing conditions.
Uses in the garden include, sunny border plants (if soil is suitable), evergreen ground cover, heather garden or a large rock garden.
Planting and Growing Erica
Plant in a sunny position in well-drained acidic soil. Most heathers prefer acid soils but several varieties, including E. carnea, E. darleyensis, E. medditerranea and E. terminalis, will tolerate alkaline conditions.
Most varieties are fully hardy with a few exceptions, such as Erica gracilis and Erica x hyemalis (Cape heaths). Treat these as winter-flowering heathers for the greenhouse. Both require lime-free soil and regular watering. Dead head regularly and stand outside in summer.
Taking Care of Heathers
Trim back to base of flowering spikes as soon as the flowers have faded to rejuvenate plants. Top-dress with ericaceous compost. Water well in first season then water as necessary particularly in dry weather. Do not let soil dry out in summer.
Propagating Heather
Propagate by layering in autumn (allowing 12 months to root fully) or by taking short side-shoot cuttings in mid to late summer and root them in well drained soil in a cold frame. Do not remove the lower leaves but simply insert to about half their depth in free draining ericaceous compost.
- ALSO READ some more info How to Grow and Care for Heaths and Heathers
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| source pic: wikimedia.org |
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