PlantFiles Pictures: Prince of Wales Heath (Erica perspicua), 1 by mgarr

mgarr wrote:
The picture you are aking about is of a tender Erica. My hardy Erica are growing in an acid soil mixed with pea gravel. This gives perfect drainage. Also I try to plant any new Erica or Calluna's as early as possible in the year so they can develop a good root system. The first year I mulch heavy with pine needles and cover them with an old clear 5 gallon bottle from water. (with the bottom cut out) After the first year they are on their own. I think giving them extra protection that first year until they are really settled in helps. This system took a few tries to work out, I lost many before I learned to baby them in the beginning.