Heaths and Heathers Erica and Calluna

Source

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of more than 500, evergreen plants ranging in size from dwarf shrubs to small trees, native to Europe, Turkey, and Africa, especially South Africa. The foliage of these plants come in a wide variety of colors including gold, silver, red, gray, and an unlimited range of greens, from olive to lime. They bear delicate, bell-shaped flowers in an array of colors from snow white to lavender to scarlet. These plants are commonly known as Heaths and Heathers. These common names are usually used to refer to a number of groups. Generally, the species of this group (Erica) are called Heath, while those belonging to the group, Calluna, (go see) are called Heather. The common name of these plants (Heather) was given in reference to the land on which they where originally found. This land was called heath (tracts of land considered useless for agriculture). Gardeners have come to distinguish these plants with different names and they are also distinguished botanically into the groups, Erica and Calluna. As mentioned before, Heaths come in a range of sizes. They may form dwarf shrubs a foot high that are excellent for using as ground covers, in rock gardens, and for lining pathways. Some species form large, tree-like shrubs up to 16 feet high. These are superb landscape plants and are especially beautiful when surrounded by smaller-sized Heaths and Heathers. Heaths and Heathers bloom throughout the year. E. australis (Spanish Heath) is a medium-sized shrub with scented, rose-purple flowers from mid- to late spring. This Heath needs warmer climates. E. carnea (Spring Heath; Winter Heath) and its cultivars are hardy to zone 4 US and grow from 6 to 9 inches high and 12 to 18 inches wide. They form thick mounds and mats of foliage and bear flowers in white and gold and shades of purple and pink.