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Erica lusitanica f. aureifolia 'George Hunt'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Portugal heath 'George Hunt'

An evergreen, upright shrub, to around 1.5m tall, with golden-yellow foliage and scented, white flowers, opening from pink buds, in spring

Synonyms
Erica lusitanica 'George Hunt'
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Gold Yellow
Summer Gold Yellow
Autumn Gold Yellow
Winter Gold Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–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 well-drained acidic soil in full sun. Requires to be grown in a sheltered spot. See Hardy heathers for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

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

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