Erica terminalis - Corsican Heath

Erica terminalis is a species native to Corsica and the Mediterranean region where it spontaneously grows in cool ravines with Alnus viridis and A. suavelons. It is one of the hardiest heathers with the best limestone tolerance. It thrives in well-drained and dry soils, in full sun or partial shade. It forms a densely branched bush with an upright, rounded habit and its branches are covered with tiny, linear, shiny dark green leaves, arranged in whorls of 3 or 6, which persist all year round. From July to August, it bears terminal clusters of bell-shaped flowers, 8 mm (0.3 in) in size, pale pink to mauve, fragrant and extremely nectar-rich. The flowers then turn into intense coppery orange, remaining decorative until winter. With medium growth, it reaches a height of 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) and a width of 1 m.

Hardy down to -20°C (-4 °F) and undemanding of soil type as long as it is dry and well-drained, it is a sturdy, small bush, ideal for coastal gardens, and natural-style dry gardens. Its dense habit and size make it suitable for forming low, evergreen hedges or adding colour to wilder spaces such as slopes and rockeries. This large heather can be combined with shorter species and varieties that flower at the same time in various colours: Erica carnea or darleyensis offer blooms ranging from pure white to purple-violet, as well as all shades of pink and red in winter and spring. It can also be paired with shrubby veronicas (Hebe), small-sized Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Tumb), Viburnum fragrans, dwarf hollies, or Chimonanthus praecox. In a naturalistic garden, this heather can create an extremely romantic scene when planted in groups of 3 to 5, at a time when flowering is scarce.