Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
Written by: Wanda Simone | Last Updated: May 2, 2024
Thrives in front and mid borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover, Winter Heath adds year-round color and resilience to any garden.
Plant snapshot
Scientific name: Erica carnea
Plant type: perennial
Zone: 5 to 7
Exposure: sun
Height: 12″ to 18″
Width: 12″ to 24″
Bloom time: winter
Flower color: purple, pink, white
Winter or Mediterranean heath (Erica carnea) is a low-growing, evergreen shrubby perennial that is covered with small white, pink or purple flowers in the middle of winter when not much else is blooming.
It is an easy-to-grow bush that spreads slowly to create a dense ground cover that deer ignore.
Winter heath should be watered regularly when it is first planted but is quite drought tolerant once established.
Winter Heath characteristics
Winter Heath blooms
Flower color: purple, pink, white
Bloom time: winter
Erica carnea Foliage
Leaf color: green
Leaf shape: needle-like
Foliage interest: evergreen
Winter Heath planting & care
Water: drought resistant
Erica carnea benefits & issues
Resistant to: deer
Landscaping uses: front of border, mid border, rock gardens, ground cover
Growth habit: easy to grow
More information
Have comments or questions about Winter Heath (Erica carnea)? Tell us in the section below.
Leave a Reply