Erica x darleyensis 'KRAMER'S ROTE'

Darley Dale heath is probably a natural hybrid between e.carnea and e.erigena. The first seedling was found at Darley Dale in Derbyshire, UK, before 1900. It is an evergreen, spring flowering heath species available in several flower and foliage colours.

Kramer's Rote (syn. Kramer's Red) heath is one of the top favourite varieties among Darley Dale heaths. It makes a profusion of rich magenta pink, urn-shaped flowers from late February until late April. Its evergreen leaves are short, narrowly lance-shaped, almost linear, rich green in summer, and deep purple red in winter and spring. The plant makes fantastic cushions and is commonly used as a dense groundcover.

Darley Dale heath is easy to grow. It is tolerant of almost all but wet soil types, and unlike most of its relatives it does not require acidic soil. For best results grow it in medium fertile, slightly moist ground of any pH, but don't worry about summer drought once established - it can take both summer and winter dry spells. Pruning is not necessary as it makes rounded and symmetrical cushions on its own, but can be done after flowering. Hardy to approx. -27°C (USDA zone 5b), possibly a bit more, and suitable for outdoor pots and troughs.

Last update 25-03-2019