Erica carnea ‘December Red’ 9cm potHeather

£3.30

Out of stock

Overview

A reliable and long-flowering variety, especially where ground cover is required. Good-sized purple-pink flowers, deepening as they mature, are borne from December until May, smothering the mid green foliage.One of the earliest of the Winter heathers to flower.

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Erica carnea heathers thrive in acid soils that are free-draining. If your soil is alkaline or heavy and poorly drained then a raised bed filled with ericaceous (lime-free) compost can provide the perfect solution as well as being an attractive design feature.

Mix plenty of ericaceous compost into the soil to maintain acidity and to improve water retention of light soils or to open up heavier types. Always plant deeply enough for the lower foliage to rest on the soil and firm with the hands. Add a 5cm (2ins) top-dressing of compost and work it into the lower foliage. This will keep the weeds down and the soil moist. Give every plant a thorough soaking after planting.

Planting distances may vary, depending on personal preference, you may want rapid ground cover or you may want to see individual specimens. As a general guide we recommend planting heathers 30 – 60cm (1-2ft) apart depending on size. If the heather border is to be viewed from a distance we recommend planting in groups of three or more of each variety.

In the first season after planting never allow the plants to dry out. Do not use manure or artificial fertilizers but on very poor soils light dressings of natural fertilizers such as bone meal can be beneficial, especially where the ground is completely covered by established plants. Top-dress with extra compost every year.

Trimming is only required every few years to ensure good health and shape.

Please see our delivery information page.

Flowering Months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No Yes
Flower Colour

Purple

Availability Date Learn more

All year round

Flower Type

Single

Flowering Month

January, February, March, April, December

Soil Type

Acid, Heavy clay, Light sandy, Normal

Aspect

Sun

Hardiness Learn more

Hardy

Foliage Type

Evergreen

Foliage Colour

Green

Height after 10 years* Learn more

Height 10-15cm (4-6 inches) x Spread 30-45cm (12-18 inches)

Pot Size Learn more

9 cm

Special Attributes

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Uses

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Heathers

Growing guide for Heathers

View Guide

Quality you can trust

What our customers say

  • Paul C Verified Buyer
    Plants arrived in excellent condition in a very protected cardboard container. Very pleased.
  • Catherine E Verified Buyer
    Excellent service. Plants quickly delivered. Superbly well packed.
  • Serhii Verified Buyer
    This is my second year ordering Hepaticas from this nursery. I really like their selection and the quality of the plants. I’m looking forward to seeing more interesting new varieties become available!
  • Hilary R Verified Buyer
    I have used Ashwood nurseries several times. This time I ordered some Autumn flowering snowdrop which arrived in the green beautifully packaged with clear instructions.
  • Lee R Verified Buyer
    I was delighted with my Abies Concolor Pigglemee dwarf conifer from Ashwood Nurseries. Communication and speed of delivery was really good. All my plants from Ashwood are of excellent quality.
  • Anonymous Verified Buyer
    Cyclamen Coum were well packed, moist and delivered promptly. Planted next day they have already started to flourish
  • Adrian F Verified Buyer
    Easy ordering quick delivery and came extremely well packaged
  • Jane G Verified Buyer
    I rarely write reviews but I must recommend this excellent nursery. It is the best nursery I have used for online ordering. Rang them first with some questions and they were most helpful. Then did my order of heathers and they were sent and arrived promptly in great condition and are very healthy looking plants.