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Common Name: Darley Dale Heath

General Information

Erica x darleyensis is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 0.60 metres tall.
The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover or low hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

A hybrid of garden origin, E. herbacea x E, erigena.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a light loam[]. This species tolerates lime in the soil[, ] so long as there is plenty of humus[]. Grows best in a poor soil. Resents dry soils. Prefers an open situation.
A very ornamental plant[], there are many named varieties[].
Plants are quite fast growing[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An admirable dense ground cover plant[, ], though it might need weeding for the first year[]. It can be clipped in spring to give denser growth[, ]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[].
Plants can be grown as a low hedge, the cultivar 'Furzey' is often used[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in a 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[]. This species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3cm long taken from twiggy lateral growths near the base of the plant, mid summer 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[].
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[].