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Erica carnea 'Prince of Wales'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

heather 'Prince of Wales'

A dwarf shrub 10-15cm high and 45cm wide, with mid-green, curled leaves, and fragrant shell-pink flowers with brown anthers, from early winter to late spring. Most Erica species and cultivars are excellent plants for all types of bees

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Pink Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
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 full sun, in well-drained, preferably acidic, sandy or organic soil; will grow in poor soils, and will tolerate neutral and mildly alkaline soils, and will tolerate some shade; for more advice, see heather cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from mid-summer to late summer, or by mound-layering in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Pruning group 1 or pruning group 10 after flowering, to maintain compact habit

Pests

Generally pest-free, but rabbits may damage young plants

Diseases

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

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