Erica spiculifolia
spike heath
A compact, low-growing shrub, with whorls of evergreen, glossy, dark green leaves along the stems. From late spring to summer, it bears clusters of small, cup-shaped, pale to deep pink, occassionally white, dense, upright flowers.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Erica can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs with fine, needle-like leaves in whorls, and racemes or panicles of small, bell-shaped or tubular flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. See also Hardy heathers cultivation.
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid-to late autumn and by layering.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
See pruning group 10
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions
Get involved
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