Erica tetralix - Heath

Erica tetralix, the bog heather, is highly valued as a ground cover. It is a spreading shrub with few, thin, twisted and erect branches, adorned with small greyish-green, evergreen leaves with a white underside. In summer, it produces small clusters of pale pink bell-shaped flowers at the top of its reddish-purple stems. Less dense and more upright than other heathers, this species possesses a wild and delicate beauty that will find its place in open and challenging spaces in the garden. Plant it in full sun in well-drained, acidic and moist soil.

Erica tetralix is a native species of Western Europe, particularly in regions influenced by the maritime climate. It is hardy down to -30ºC. This species is attractive due to its spreading habit, bright foliage, and charming pink flowering in summer. This small, spreading evergreen shrub will reach approximately 20 cm high and 30 cm wide at maturity, with a relatively slow growth rate. Its lifespan is around 10 to 15 years. It usually flowers for several weeks between June and August, depending on the climate. Its flowers are small pink urns that lighten in colour. They are gathered in sparse umbels of 5 to 12 pendulous, slightly fragrant flowers at the tops of the stems, amidst thread-like, sessile leaves arranged in whorls of 4. The branches and foliage are covered in sticky hairs that catch the light.

Erica tetralix makes an excellent ground cover for acidic, peaty, and moist soils. It can be easily combined with other perennial plants for wet banks.