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Erica × stuartii 'Irish Orange'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

heather 'Irish Orange'

'Irish Orange' is an evergreen, compact shrub whose needle-like dark-green leaves are orange-tipped in spring. Umbels of bell-shaped, dark pink flower are borne in late spring and summer

Synonyms
Erica × praegeri 'Irish Orange'
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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
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Orange Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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 acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
  • Banks and slopes
  • Garden edging
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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