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Erica lusitanica 'Le Vasterival'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Portugal heath 'Le Vasterival'

An upright, well-branched, shrub with evergreen, needle-like, dark green foliage to around 1.5m (5ft). From winter to early spring it bears an abudance of fragrant, bell-shaped, dusky pink flowers that fade to cream-white as they mature along the length of the branch ends.

Synonyms
Erica arborea 'Great Star'
Erica lusitanica Great Star
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Pink White Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun.

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
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

See pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions

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