Practical
Plants

Erica x darleyensis

Darley Dale Heath

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Erica genus in the family Ericaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Erica
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
0.6 m
Spread
1 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Insects, Self
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects, Self

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An admirable dense ground cover plant[3][7], though it might need weeding for the first year[5]. It can be clipped in spring to give denser growth[5][7]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[7]. Plants can be grown as a low hedge, the cultivar 'Furzey' is often used[8].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Hedge

Environment

Range
A hybrid of garden origin, E. herbacea x E, erigena.
Habitat
Not known in the wild.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - surface sow in a sandy compost in a cold frame in spring. Keep moist. Prick out the plants as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them in their permanent positions when they are 5 - 8cm tall[2]. This species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3cm long taken from twiggy lateral growths near the base of the plant, July/August in a frame. Remove the leaves from the bottom part of the stem without causing any damage to the bark. The cuttings root in a few weeks if they are given some bottom heat. Plant out in spring[2]. Layering in spring or autumn. Plants can be 'dropped' and then dug up and divided about 6 - 12 months later. Dropping involves digging up the plant and then replanting it about 15 - 20cm deeper in the soil to encourage roots to form along the stems[9].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a light loam[2]. This species tolerates lime in the soil[3][4] so long as there is plenty of humus[7]. Grows best in a poor soil. Resents dry soils. Prefers an open situation. A very ornamental plant[1], there are many named varieties[3]. Plants are quite fast growing[1]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[6].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩

  5. Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-304-31089-1

    ↩1↩2

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

  7. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  8. Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649

    ↩

  9. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩

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