Erica carnea ‘Myretoun Ruby’ (Winter Heath)

Erica carnea ‘Myretoun Ruby’ (Winter Heath) is one of the darkest red Heath with masses of small, urn-shaped flowers that open heliotrope and deepen from magenta to rich, ruby-red over the season. Blooming heavily for weeks from mid-winter to late spring (Jan-May), they beautifully smother the needle-like, dark green foliage. Great at providing winter color, this low-growing, evergreen shrub creates an excellent ground cover for sunny locations while requiring little care.

• Grows in an attractive mound, up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 18 in. across (45 cm). Spreading along the ground by procumbent stems, this perennial will form a dense ground cover over time.
• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Performs best in full sun in sandy, acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Part shade is welcomed in hot summer areas. Newly planted Heath can dry out quickly, so it is important to water regularly and thoroughly when the plant is young.
• Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to rock gardens, groundcover, slopes, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, or containers. Plant in groups for the best visual impact.
• Produces nectar that attracts bees on mild winter days but is ignored by deer!
• Virtually disease and pest free, but watch for powdery mildew, root rot, rust, and wilt.
• Plants may be sheared lightly after flowers fade, but not later since flower buds are formed during the summer. Annual light shearing promotes a bushier plant.

One of the hardiest of Heathers, Erica carnea is native to the Alps of Central Europe. It is loved for its early bloom and evergreen presence and forms bristling mats of pink, white, purple, or red blooms, which are at their best with the early spring bulbs such as crocus, scillas, and dwarf irises.