Heather
Erica darleyensis
Heathers provide some excellent colour in the autumn to spring, in a range of pinks through to pure white. The vast majority of heathers are fully hardy but a few varieties such as Erica gracilis can only be used as autumn bedding as it will struggle to survive the winter. You can select a range of heathers to stagger the flowering times and keep the colour going through to spring.
Not only can you plant in an acidic border but they can provide colour in a winter pot before being moved into the garden the following year.
With the exception of the tree heathers (Erica arborea) which grow to around 1.8m (6ft) most will grow to around 45cm (1½ft) and look best if trimmed back each year after flowering.
Heathers perform best in well drained to moist positions in full sun. They do need acidic conditions so dig in ericaceous compost when planting and regularly feed with an acid feed.
Planting heathers amongst conifers will add some colour to the foliage textures of the conifers. They do look effective growing between large rockery stones. You can also plant with rhododendrons, acers and camellias to provide colour at the base of those plants.
Erica 'Springwood Pink'
Erica 'Springwood White'
Erica 'Katinka'
