Erica × darleyensis
| Erica × darleyensis | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Late Fall-Late Spring |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Erica × darleyensis (common name: darley dale heath)
Propagation: Seed - surface sow in a sandy compost in a cold frame in spring. Keep moist. Prick out the plants as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them in their permanent positions when they are 5 - 8cm tall[1]. This species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3cm long taken from twiggy lateral growths near the base of the plant, July/August in a frame. Remove the leaves from the bottom part of the stem without causing any damage to the bark. The cuttings root in a few weeks if they are given some bottom heat. Plant out in spring[1].
Layering in spring or autumn. Plants can be 'dropped' and then dug up and divided about 6 - 12 months later. Dropping involves digging up the plant and then replanting it about 15 - 20cm deeper in the soil to encourage roots to form along the stems[2].
Cultivation: Requires a light loam[1]. This species tolerates lime in the soil[3][4] so long as there is plenty of humus[5]. Grows best in a poor soil. Resents dry soils. Prefers an open situation.
A very ornamental plant[6], there are many named varieties[3].
Plants are quite fast growing[6].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[7].
Range: A hybrid of garden origin, E. herbacea x E, erigena.
Habitat: Not known in the wild.
Usage: An admirable dense ground cover plant[3][5], though it might need weeding for the first year[8]. It can be clipped in spring to give denser growth[8][5]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[5].
Plants can be grown as a low hedge, the cultivar 'Furzey' is often used[9].
Pollinators: Insects, self
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates strong winds
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: E. mediterranea hybrida.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Napier, Elspeth. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells, 1989.
- ↑ Shepherd, F. W.. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society, 1974.