Practical
Plants

Erica x veitchii

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

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Erica
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
1.8 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.

Can be grown as a medium-sized hedge, the cultivar 'Exeter' is often used[1][2].

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Environment

Range
A hybrid of garden origin, E. arborea x E. lusutanica.
Habitat
Not known in the wild.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral
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[5].

Cultivation

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

A calcifuge plant, it requires a light lime-free loam[2]. Grows best in a poor soil. Resents dry soils. Prefers an open situation. A very ornamental and free-flowering species[3], there are some named varieties[2]. Plants are not fully hardy in Britain and can be damaged in severe winters[2]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].

References

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

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

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

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

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

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