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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Erica_vagans is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A dye is obtained from the flowers. No further details. The twigs are used for making brushes, thatching, bedding etc and also as a fuel. A good ground cover plant, though it might need weeding for the first year[197]. It can be clipped in spring to give denser growth[197, 208]. Space the plants about 60cm apart each way[208].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A calcifuge plant, it requires a light lime-free loam[11]. Grows well on sunny slopes, thriving in any soil that is not heavy or alkaline[11]. Plants can succeed in a slightly alkaline soil if it is rich in humus according to some reports[182, 188]. Grows best in a poor soil[11]. Resents dry soils. Prefers an open situation. A very ornamental plant[1], there are many named varieties[182]. A food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterflies and moths as well as providing a food source for the moths and butterflies[30]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out [2-1].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow in an acid sandy compost in a cold frame in spring. Keep moist. Prick out the plants as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them in their permanent positions when they are 5 - 8cm tall[11]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3cm long taken from twiggy lateral growths near the base of the plant, July/August in a frame. Remove the leaves from the bottom part of the stem without causing any damage to the bark. The cuttings root in a few weeks if they are given some bottom heat. Plant out in spring[11]. Layering in spring or autumn. Plants can be 'dropped' and then dug up and divided about 6 - 12 months later. Dropping involves digging up the plant and then replanting it about 15 - 20cm deeper in the soil to encourage roots to form along the stems[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: United Kingdom (southwest), Spain, France

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Erica vagans	Cornish Heath, Cornish heath	Shrub	0.8	4-8		LM	N	DM	0	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Erica_vagans - L.