Erica darleyensis Stieneke - Winter Heath

Hardy and undemanding, the winter heather 'Stieneke' will delight you with its evergreen golden yellow foliage and its generous winter flowering in pink. Compact, this ground cover plant is ideal for brightening up a rockery or a border all year round. In a pot, it will make a statement on your terrace. It enjoys sun and well-drained soil, preferably acidic to neutral.

Like all heathers, Erica x darleyensis belongs to the Ericaceae family. Resulting from the crossbreeding of Erica carnea or winter heath, a low-growing (maximum 25 cm (10in)) and very floriferous plant, and Erica erigena or E. mediterranea, which can reach 1.2 m (4ft) in height, it benefits from a spreading habit (higher than that of E. carnea), abundant flowering and good hardiness.

The Erica x darleyensis 'Stieneke' forms a compact bush that can reach 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) in all directions. Its tiny leaves resemble golden yellow needles. The plant is decorative all year round, as its foliage is evergreen. In the heart of winter, between November and March, 'Stieneke' heather is covered with numerous small pink-violet flowers, particularly melliferous. This bright and floriferous small bush is ideal in all gardens and even a pot on a terrace.

This winter heather is perfectly suited to a rockery or border planting. It is often used as a ground cover and planted alongside other winter heathers. Plant them in groups of 3 or 5, depending on the space you have available, to create an interesting colour effect. Combine its bright foliage with 'Darley Dale' heather with pale pink flowers or 'Silberschmelze' heather with white flowers. For an almost year-round flowering border, also consider ling heathers that flower from June to October.

You can also pair it with rockery conifers with blue foliage such as 'Blue Star' juniper or 'Blue Alps' juniper.