Erica hybrids

Although there are a number of crosses or hybrids between the species this is a list of the major ones that are available

Erica x stuartii : Praeger’s heath, Stuart’s heath

Erica x stuartii ‘Irish Lemon’

This is a natural hybrid between Erica mackayana and Erica tetralix requiring acid soil conditions and found in Ireland and Northern Spain. Many of the cultivars have bright lemon yellow Spring growth (‘Irish Lemon’) followed by mauve flowers from early Summer to Autumn. Height 10” (25cm)

Erica x watsonii : Watson’s heath

Erica x watsonii ‘Pink Pacific’

This is a naturally occurring cross of Erica ciliaris x Erica tetralix growing to 8-10” (24cm) requiring acid soil conditions and found in Britain, France and Spain. Erica x watsonii ‘Claire Elise’ has deep magenta-pink flowers in Summer. ‘Pink Pacific’ has clear rose pink flowers with young growth tipped orange-red in spring with a spreading habit.

Erica x williamsii : Williams’s heath

Erica x williamsii ‘Ken Wilson’

A naturally occurring hybrid between the cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix and the Cornish heath Erica vagans flowering in Summer, The cultivar ‘Ken Wilson’ has clear magenta flowers on mid-green foliage. Height 12”(30cm). It will grow on slightly alkaline soils. Some cultivars have coloured young tips in Spring.

Cultivation

Erica hybrids require an acid soil for it to grow successfully although it can be grown in containers or in beds using an acid or ericaceous compost isolated from the ground soil.

The texture of heavy (clay) soils can be improved by the addition of peat and/or coarse grit

Trim to base of flowering spike after flowering.

Ensure the plants are kept moist during the first year of planting and in dry conditions.

For best results feed sparingly in Spring and early Summer with a general fertiliser.