Darley Dale Heath

Erica x darleyensis J. W. Porter

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: January to May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Clusters of tiny, purple-pink, urn-shaped flowers smother this plant from December to May. The small lance-shaped, leaves are mid-green, with white tips in spring. This pretty, Darley Dale heath has a low, spreading habit and makes an excellent groundcover plant for sunny, well-drained areas of the garden. It looks best planted in bold drifts with other heathers, or beneath deciduous trees.

  
  

• Garden care: During the growing season water regularly, applying a half-strength application of a balanced liquid fertiliser every four weeks. After the plant has flowered trim with shears or secateurs to remove the dead flowers and encourage bushy growth.