Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1770
Citation Micro:
Erica : 10 (1770)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000673601
Common Names
- Viscaria Heath
- Viscaria Bell Heather
- Viscaria Heather
Synonyms
- Ericoides viscarium (L.) Kuntze [valid]
- Erica viscaria viscaria [valid]
- Erica longifolia decora (Andrews) E.G.H.Oliv. & I.M.Oliv. [valid]
Description
Erica viscaria (also called Dwarf Heather, among many other common names) is a small evergreen shrub that is native to Europe and North Africa. It grows up to 1 m in height and has small, needle-like leaves. It prefers well-drained soils and is often found in rocky areas, grasslands and woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Erica viscaria is an evergreen shrub that is often used in landscaping and garden design. It has a low-growing habit and produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink and purple.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Erica viscaria sub. gallorum (L.Bolus) E.G.H.Oliv. & I.M.Oliv.
Erica viscaria sub. longifolia (F.A.Bauer) E.G.H.Oliv. & I.M.Oliv.
Erica viscaria sub. macrosepala E.G.H.Oliv. & I.M.Oliv.
Erica viscaria sub. pendula E.G.H.Oliv. & I.M.Oliv.
Erica viscaria sub. pustulata (H.A.Baker) E.G.H.Oliv. & I.M.Oliv.
Erica viscaria sub. viscaria
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Erica viscaria has white to pink flowers, small, round, black seeds and small, round seedlings.
Cultivation and Propagation
Erica viscaria is a hardy, evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It is easy to propagate from cuttings or division. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°F. It can be propagated by division in spring or early summer. The plant can also be propagated from cuttings, which should be taken in spring or early summer.
Where to Find Erica viscaria
Erica viscaria is native to Europe and is found in moist, shady areas. It can be found in the wild in the UK, France, Germany, and other European countries.
Erica viscaria FAQ
What is the optimal temperature for Erica viscaria?
Erica viscaria prefers temperatures between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
What type of soil is best for Erica viscaria?
Erica viscaria prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
How much sunlight does Erica viscaria need?
Erica viscaria prefers partial to full shade.
Species in the Erica genus
Erica abbottii,
Erica abelii,
Erica abietina,
Erica accommodata,
Erica acuta,
Erica adnata,
Erica aestiva,
Erica affinis,
Erica agglutinans,
Erica aghillana,
Erica albens,
Erica albertyniae,
Erica albescens,
Erica albospicata,
Erica alexandri,
Erica alfredii,
Erica algida,
Erica alnea,
Erica alopecurus,
Erica alticola,
Erica altiphila,
Erica amalophylla,
Erica amatolensis,
Erica amicorum,
Erica amidae,
Erica amoena,
Erica amphigena,
Erica ampullacea,
Erica andreaei,
Erica andringitrensis,
Erica aneimena,
Erica anemodes,
Erica anguliger,
Erica angulosa,
Erica annalis,
Erica annectens,
Erica anomala,
Erica arachnocalyx,
Erica arborea,
Erica arborescens,
Erica arcuata,
Erica ardens,
Erica arenaria,
Erica areolata,
Erica argentea,
Erica argyraea,
Erica aristata,
Erica aristella,
Erica aristifolia,
Erica armandiana,
Species in the Ericaceae family