GA​RDENJEWELS
GA​RDENJEWELS
​South African Ericas
​South African Ericas
Erica Conica Compact
Erica Think Pink
Erica Sparsa
Erica Winter Fire
All about Ericas
It’s difficult to describe ericas - their flowers are simply enchanting and sure to capture your heart.
All gardeners feel the same, and Ericas are grown in gardens and parks all over the world for their irresistible beauty.
As long as their needs are met, they are fairly adaptable and will grow in most situations.
Potted ericas for patios or entryways is still very trendy, making these little gems suitable for gardens small and large.
Ericas provide interest in the garden throughout the year with their small needle-like leaves arranged in small tufts, but during their peak flowering season, they display an intriguing variety of flower shapes, which can be tubular, bell, or urn-shaped.
Some flowers are accompanied by ornamental bracts, and stamens may be included or project far out, and some blooms hang down while others point upward. Some flowers are bi-colored or even tricolored, and they come in all colours except blue; including delightful shades of orange, yellow, scarlet, pink, white, and lilac.
The species with tubular flowers attract sunbirds in search of nectar, and the bell and urn-shaped flowers attract bees and other insects.
The family Ericaceae has a nearly worldwide distribution, with the exception of desert regions, continental Antarctica, parts of the high Arctic, central Greenland, northern and central Australia, and much of the lowland tropics and neo-tropics. The family is largely composed of plants that can tolerate acidic, infertile conditions, and like other stress-tolerant plants, many Ericaceae have mycorrhizal fungi to assist with extracting nutrients from infertile soils, as well as evergreen foliage to conserve absorbed nutrients.
Ericas form one of the main constituents of this distinctive Cape flora, along with restios, proteas, and brunias. And although the genus is made up of approximately 860 species worldwide, South Africa is extraordinarily blessed to have 760 of those species.
In the Garden:
Ericas are indispensable in the garden, and in any wildlife garden they are a magnet for nectar feeding birds which pollinate the flowers. Bees, plus a myriad of other insects are also attracted to the blooms, which in turn attract insect eating birds.
The shape, appearance or type of erica will influence how it is best used in the garden. Many species start flowering at an early age and are thus perfect for containers, and those which are more difficult to grow are best cultivated in pots where they can be closely monitored. If the pots are placed in an airy, sunny patio, and the plants are watered correctly, they will do exceptionally well.
In their natural environment ericas are often found growing in close proximity with Restios such as Elegia spp. And if planted together with other Leucospermums, Proteas, Brunia, Berzelia, Agathosmas, and Coleonema, will give a beautiful naturalistic display.
The species which have smaller flowers are extremely striking if planted in massed displays, and in nature some species have learnt to live in close proximity with rocks, which provide some protection from the elements, and where the plants can send their roots down deep underneath the rocks, in order to find water and shade, making these ericas ideal rockery plants.
When in bloom, don’t be afraid to pick the flowers, it won’t damage the plants, and the flowers will last for a long time in a vase.
Ericas for the garden and containers:
Because flowering times may vary slightly from year to year, and region to region, bear this in mind when planning your garden. Also, there are just too many gorgeous varieties to list, so do your own research to select the perfect ones for your garden and climate.
Your local garden centre will stock those which are suitable for your region - another good reason to visit an accredited garden centre for the best advice.
H​OW TO GROW ERICAS
H​OW TO GROW ERICAS
Success with Ericas!
When choosing a site to plant ericas, keep in mind that they grow naturally in well-drained positions, although there are some exceptions which have water passing by their roots most of the time. To ensure good drainage in heavier soil, grow them in a rockery or place a layer of builder’s rubble half a metre under the soil. They also require an acid soil. The soil mix should be half good soil and half old compost.
Apart from good drainage, ericas thrive in a spot which receives sunlight and enjoy the wind through their leaves.
The shape, appearance or kind of erica will influence its best use in the garden. Those that are more difficult to grow are better grown in pots where they can be closely monitored. On an airy, sunny patio and properly watered, they will do exceptionally well. Many ericas start flowering at an early age and are thus perfect for containers. The best potting soil is acidic, sandy, and well-drained. Once you have planted your erica be careful not to disturb the soil around the plant as it has a fibrous root system and dislikes having their roots disturbed.
CARE TIPS FOR ERICAS
CARE TIPS FOR ERICAS
Watering
Careful watering is half the secret of successful erica cultivation.