Dorset heath
erica ciliaris
Also known as: ["Coastal heath","Golden heather"]
Overview
A low-growing evergreen shrub native to coastal regions of Europe, characterized by its needle-like leaves and bright pink or purple flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Erica |
| Botanical Name: | Erica ciliaris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens, rockeries, or raised beds with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; water should not sit around roots.
- Soil Type: Acidic, sandy, or loamy soil with good drainage; ericaceous (acid-loving) potting mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ensure bright light indoors if grown as a houseplant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, acidic sandy or peaty soil
pH: Acidic (pH 4.5–6.0).
Use ericaceous compost; avoid lime-based fertilizers; ensure soil is never waterlogged.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F/10–21°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Use acidic fertilizer for best results; fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in fall.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; softwood cuttings root most readily.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F/18–24°C), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, peat-based medium, plastic bag or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; cut just above a leaf node or bud; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged growth; shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid overpotting.
Method
Use acidic, well-draining soil; gently tease out roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess to drain; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss, pine bark, or sand to improve drainage and acidity; ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in extreme heat; stunted growth or leaf discoloration in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or dieback if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C); ensure good air circulation.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch or wilt; growth may slow due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicErica ciliaris is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicErica ciliaris is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine physiology when ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicErica ciliaris, commonly known as Dorset heath, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Erica ciliaris be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant.
Q: Does Erica ciliaris attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Can Erica ciliaris grow in shade?
A: Yes, it tolerates partial shade but thrives best in full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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