Green heather
Erica scoparia · Ericaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around green heather and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Persistent, fine and needle-like
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 1 to 2 m tall × 0.8 to 1.5 m wide
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, fears harsh winters (zones 8-9)
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin, southwestern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, acidic to neutral, nutrient-poor
Care
Exposure
Plant Erica scoparia in full sun or partial shade for generous flowering. It appreciates airy and bright locations, away from excessively hot and dry areas. In Mediterranean climates, summer partial shade can prevent water stress.
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid lime-rich water which harms the plant; prefer rainwater instead.
Soil and Drainage
Erica scoparia requires very well-drained and slightly acidic soil. Improve heavy soil with coarse sand or gravel. Poor drainage quickly causes root suffocation and rot.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and stimulate branching. Avoid severe pruning which weakens the plant. Remove dead or diseased branches throughout the seasons.
Fertilizer
Apply low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer in spring. Heathers prefer poor soils; excess nutrients promote soft growth and reduce flowering. Light annual application is sufficient.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for powdery mildew in humid, poorly ventilated conditions. Excess root moisture causes rotting. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid foliar watering; prefer impeccable drainage to prevent any problems.
Did you know?
Erica scoparia is also called the "broom heather" because its fine, dense stems were once used to make traditional brooms in southern France and the Mediterranean. This ancient craft practice has marked the rural history of these regions and still influences the common name of the species today.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CowberryVaccinium vitis-idaea
- Cross-leaved heathErica tetralix
- Bog rosemaryAndromeda polifolia
- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.