Cape Heaths

The heaths described as Cape heaths come from Southern Africa, south of the Limpopo river.

In this relatively small area, over 750 species can be found, which is thought to be the highest density for any genus of plant.

The weather pattern in Southern Africa varies widely, affording specialised habitats for many species. In some areas, where Erica is growing, it is not uncommon to have heavy falls of snow, but frosts are rarely recorded. Most endure long, dry summers.

Here are some of the more popular cultivated species

	Erica gracilis An extremely popular pot in Europe which is used to decorate window boxes and graveyards in November. It can be obtained with white flowers but the vast majority are shades of magenta. The shrub grows about 60cm high and is covered from top to bottom in 3mm urn-shaped flowers in November. It cannot withstand severe frosts but even when dead, it retains colour for the remaining winter months.
	Erica pageana A compact heath having rich buttercup yellow flowers, 8mm long, April to June (northern hemisphere), August to October (southern hemisphere). It reaches 45cm or so. Although it grows naturally in marshy conditions, it does not like cold damp conditions. The plant must be kept above -5°C.
	Erica quadrangularis Sometimes known as the Easter or Spring heather, this species comes in a wide range of colours from white to crimson. It is a very floriferous species and rightly very popular particularly in north America. An erect shrub reaching 60cm. The flowers are about 3mm long. Like all Cape heaths, it is best kept in a light moist environment which is frost-free. Only very light pruning is required immediately after flowering.
	Erica ventricosa A very popular pot plant particularly in north America and Europe. An erect shrub reaching 90cm. The pink flowers are hard, dry and wax-like and are about 15mm long. Although most pot plants offered for sale are hybrids of E. ventricosa, they should be treated in the same way as any Cape heath. Only very light pruning is required immediately after flowering.

Others species: Erica canaliculata, Erica cruenta, Erica curviflora, Erica discolor, Erica racemosa, Erica subdivaricata

Cultural hints

It is safer to assume that Cape heaths must not receive a frost, although certain species are known to survive about 5 degrees of frost. As a result they are best regarded as a cool greenhouse plant, although they can be grown indoors under certain conditions. They are invariably grown in pots.

Despite enduring long hot and dry summers in South Africa most cultivated heathers hate being dry and this is the greatest danger. So keep pots or planters on a bed of pebbles which are kept wet at all times. Water the foliage from time to time as well, particularly in summer. Heathers rarely show sign of wilting so it is already too late if significant leaf drop occurs.

If heathers are kept indoors, they require a cool and well-lit moist atmosphere. The best places are usually a kitchen, bathroom, conservatory or even a sheltered porch.

When purchased most plants will be already pot-bound. Knock the plant out of its present pot, if the roots are brown (rather than white) then it needs potting on in a lime-free compost. Tear open the base of the root-ball as this will encourage new root growth. Repeat this operation annually. The earlier this is done after purchase, the greater the chance of survival.

Prune immediately after the flowers have faded by simply trimming off the dead flowers. They should not be pruned too hard i.e. into old wood as most heathers will not sprout new foliage from old wood.

Place the pots outside when risk of severe frosts has passed, keeping them WELL IRRIGATED DAILY. Feed with a liquid tomato fertiliser as directed by the manufacturer. Provide protection once again when severe frosts are likely.

Most Cape heaths form tall shrubs and it is advisable to prune strong leading shoots for the first year to produce a compact plant. However, the plant usually flowers on these long spikes and, therefore, a choice has to be made between flowers and the shape of the plant in the early years.