Erica × veitchii
| Erica × veitchii | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 6' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Late Winter-Mid Spring |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Erica × veitchii
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: A calcifuge plant, it requires a light lime-free loam[1]. Grows best in a poor soil. Resents dry soils. Prefers an open situation.
A very ornamental and free-flowering species[3], there are some named varieties[1].
Plants are not fully hardy in Britain and can be damaged in severe winters[1].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].
Range: A hybrid of garden origin, E. arborea x E. lusutanica.
Habitat: Not known in the wild.
Usage: Can be grown as a medium-sized hedge, the cultivar 'Exeter' is often used[5][1].
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
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.