Darley Dale Heath

Erica x darleyensis Mary Helen

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: February to April
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Clusters of tiny, pale pink, urn-shaped flowers smother this plant from February to April. This Darley Dale heath is renowned for its colourful winter foliage, which emerges bright green, then turns bronze in winter. To create a lovely tapestry effect in a sunny, well-drained area of the garden, plant in bold drifts alongside other heathers with contrasting foliage and flowers.

• 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.