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Erica × darleyensis 'James Smith'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

heather 'James Smith'

'James Smith' is a spreading, dwarf, evergreen shrub, ultimately making a wide mat of bright green foliage, tipped cream and pink in spring. Flowers, in late winter and early spring, open dark pink and deepen to red-purple

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Pink White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Pink Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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 soil in full sun. Tolerates lime. See Hardy heathers for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Cut flowers
  • Ground cover
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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