whorl heath
Also known as: Cape flats heath
An erect, evergreen shrub, to 1.5m tall, with soft, dark-green foliage. Pale mauve-pink tubular flowers, to 1.5cm long, are arranged in tightly-packed whorls near the tips of stiffly-upright, otherwise bare, stems and are borne intermittently throughout the year
Scientific classification
- Species
- whorl heath (Erica verticillata)
- Genus
- Erica
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Information to be completed
- Toxicity
- Shrubs
- Plant type
- 1-1.5 metres
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
whorl heath pictures
Distribution of whorl heath
Distribution map
Southern Africa (Cape)
Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Information to be completed
Quick identification of whorl heath
Information to be completed
whorl heath care guide
- Keep acidic soil evenly moist with sharp drainage
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Keep acidic soil evenly moist with sharp drainage
Fertilizing
FertilizingLight ericaceous feed in spring and early summer
Pruning
PruningShorten flowered shoots to about 1.5–2.5 cm from the previous year's growth. If flowering is on last year's growth, prune after flowering; if on current-year growth, prune the following early to mid-spring.
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings
Growing
GrowingGrows best in a well drained, acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for further advice
People also ask
Information to be completed
Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal diseases, including honey fungus (rarely), and Phytophthora root rot, in wet conditions
Pests
Generally pest-free
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