Erica gracilis is a heath shrub native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and South Africa.
It is often confused with its flowering cousin, Heather, due to its similar appearance and named for the pink bell-like blooms.
Heaths and Heathers share similarities, but some differences will help you tell them apart.
The two varieties are called Callunas (Heather) and Ericas (heath).
The leaves on Heathers are small, flat, and almost scale-like, which gives them the appearance of being gray.
On the other hand, the heaths have needle-like leaves with bell-shaped flowers.
Although it is a relative of Heather, the way to tell the difference between the two varieties is that heather blooms early to late fall, whereas heath blooms from late fall to early winter.
Both can grow in sandy, rocky, and acidic soils, but the heath is more winter hardy.
Some of the Erica Gracilis common names are:
- Cape Heath
- Pink Bell Heather
Quick Facts On Erica Gracilis
- Family: Ericaceae
- Light: Full sun 6 hours a day
- Temperature: 70° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Keep soil moist but well-drained
- Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer – 10-10-10
- Propagation: Shoot Cuttings in early spring
- Common Problems: Overwatering, spider mites, aphids
Erica Gracilis Care
How Big Do Erica Plants Grow?
The compact shrubs with dark green leaves and pink or white flowers can grow to 40 cm.
They can also grow to a width of equal proportion. They bloom in early fall and early spring.
They are an evergreen shrub that flowers yearly with very little maintenance required.
Erica Gracilis plants should be planted no more than 3’ feet apart to allow them enough space for growth.
You can prune these shrubs if needed to help encourage them to grow into a certain shape or size.
When Does Erica Gracilis Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The best time for planting Erica Gracilis is early spring to late autumn because the flowers will start blooming from February to March.
The blooms give off a sweet honey fragrance that will draw bees into your garden.
Heaths, heathers, and rhododendrons make great fueling stops for bees because they smell sweet.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Erica Gracilis is a warmth-loving plant. It does well with at least 6 hours of full sun per day.
It prefers sandy soils but will tolerate clay and other types of soil so long as it drains well.
It should be planted at least 10” inches apart for optimum growth but can be planted closer together if you want multiple plants in one area (this will help prevent crowding).
The plant does not need much fertilizer or water once established but should be kept well-watered during its first growing season to help promote strong root growth.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Cape Heath Plant?
Water moderately, waiting until the soil has dried. Ensure that the water is draining away from the roots, as it doesn’t like being too wet.
It rarely needs fertilizer, but anything you would use on Azaleas will work for in Ericas if you would like to use it.
A large amount of fertilizer is harmful to the heather.
Note: Always water with purified water or rainwater. Ericas cannot tolerate the salts and chemicals often contained in tap water.
What Is The Best Soil For Cape Heath Plants And When Should You Transplant?
Erica gracilis plants do best when grown in full sun or partial shade locations with well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter before planting.
Add compost or peat moss around the base of each plant before adding mulch around their root zones to help retain moisture levels during dry spells.
With a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, it requires acidic soil. You can add the following matter to the soil:
- Peat soil
- Perlite
- Garden soil
- Sand
- Compost
- Pine needles
- Spruce bark
You can use soil mixtures for azaleas for a ready-made substrate. Good drainage is required.
Does Cape Heath Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
No, you don’t have to prune your Erica Gracilis at all!
This plant is self-cleaning and doesn’t need pruning unless you want to shape your shrub into a different form.
How To Propagate Pink Erica Heather?
Erica gracilis spreads by seed and by creeping stems (rhizomes). Therefore, if you want to increase your plantings of erica gracilis, there are two ways to do so:
- Propagation by seed
- Propagation by root cuttings (rhizome cuttings)
Seed propagation is the simplest way to increase your stock of erica gracilis, because it doesn’t require any special equipment or supplies.
You simply gather seeds from your existing plants in autumn, plant them outdoors in spring or early summer, and let nature take its course!
Alternatively, you can take cuttings from the base of your existing plants if you want to make more plants without using seeds.
This method works best if you have multiple plants about 10″ inches tall to cut away some of their growth and still end up with a new plant once it has rooted well enough in its new location.
When you’re ready to transplant your newly rooted cuttings into pots filled with peat moss and soil, water them thoroughly until they are completely saturated with water before putting them into their new homes outdoors in full sun locations.
Cape Heath Pests And Diseases
Cape Heath is generally pest and disease-resistant plant but may occasionally be attacked by the following pests:
- Mealybugs
- Aphids
- Spider mites.
This plant is also prone to overwatering.
Is Erica Considered Toxic or Poisonous To People, Kids, Or Pets?
In large amounts, Erica Gracilis is toxic to humans.
Nonetheless, the plant’s low toxicity means that when humans consume it on purpose or accidentally, it usually does not cause serious harm.
If you come into contact with the plant, your skin or eyes may become irritated.
Saponins in its stems may cause stomach upset in pets or children who eat them accidentally.
The ASPCA and the Pet Poison Healthline have not listed it as a toxic plant.
It is assumed to be safe for pets. But like all things, eating too much of it could cause stomach upset or worse.
Is The Erica Heather Considered Invasive?
No, both heathers and heaths are evergreen shrubs and are not considered invasive. They will only grow where you plant them and will not take over your garden.
Suggested Uses For The Heather Erica
This plant is often used as an ornamental landscaping plant because of its beautiful appearance and hardiness, but it also has other uses as well.
It also thrives indoors in pots, in the greenhouse.