Bell Heather Erica cinerea 'C.d. Eason'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Bell Heather' presents with striking foliage and flowers. Its leaves are needle-like, small, and evergreen, offering a year-round display of green hues. The foliage forms a dense, bushy mat that underlines its shrubby nature. The most captivating aspect of this plant is its blooms, which are bell-shaped and come in an eye-catching shade of magenta to deep purple. These petite flowers are tightly clustered along the stems, enveloping the plant in a vibrant cloak of color. The blooming period is notably long, spanning from mid-summer to early fall, during which time it attracts various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The Bell Heather's overall appearance is one of a lush carpet accented with jewel-like flowers, making it a prominent choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Bell Heather, Twisted Heath
Common names
Erica cinerea var. coccinea 'C.D. Eason'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly referred to as Bell Heather generally is not toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant, as it is not known to have toxic properties that affect humans if any part of the plant is ingested.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, Bell Heather is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not associated with toxic symptoms in animals, and ingesting parts of the plant typically does not lead to poisoning or adverse health consequences. However, it's always prudent to monitor your pets if they ingest any plant material, as individual reactions can vary, and to consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms occur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Magenta
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its pink to purple flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering.
- Low Maintenance: Needs little care beyond occasional pruning to shape and remove dead flowers.
- Attracts Wildlife: Its flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Soil Adaptability: Generally adaptable to a variety of soils, although it prefers acidic conditions.
- Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage provides visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Compact Size: Suitable for small gardens or as part of a mixed border due to its small, manageable size.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bell Heather Ink: The flowers of Erica cinerea can be used to make a natural dye, which can be utilized as a form of botanical ink for creative projects like painting or fabric dyeing.
- Floral Arrangements: Due to its attractive flowers and foliage, Bell Heather is sometimes included in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, for adding a touch of natural beauty and color.
- Photography Prop: The charming appearance of Bell Heather makes it a favorite subject for photographers and a beautiful prop for outdoor photo shoots.
- Traditional Crafts: In some cultures, the stems and flowers of Bell Heather are utilized in the creation of traditional crafts, such as small decorative brooms or as embellishments in basketry.
- Garden Bed Edging: With its dense growth habit, Bell Heather can be planted as an edging plant in garden beds to create defined borders and add color and texture to the landscape.
- Livestock Bedding: Historically, some heather species have been used as bedding material for livestock due to their abundance, especially in regions where they are native or grow prolifically.
- Ground Cover for Wildlife: By forming a dense mat of foliage, Bell Heather can act as a protective ground cover, providing shelter for small wildlife like insects and ground-nesting birds.
- Erosion Control: The robust, mat-forming characteristic of Bell Heather makes it suitable for planting on slopes or areas prone to soil erosion, helping to stabilize the soil.
- Nature Crafting: Twigs and flowers of Bell Heather can be used in nature crafts for kids and adults, such as making fairy gardens or constructing miniature wreaths.
- Winter Garden Interest: Erica cinerea, as an evergreen plant, adds texture and color to gardens even during the winter months when most other plants have died back or lost their leaves.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Bell Heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Bell Heather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Solitude: Often growing in isolated patches on moors and heathlands, Erica cinerea, or bell heather, can symbolize the beauty and strength in solitude.
- Protection: In folklore, it was believed to guard against harm and negative energies, hence bell heather can represent protection and safekeeping.
- Luck: Bell heather has been considered a lucky plant, particularly in Scotland, where it is thought to bring good fortune if carried or given as a gift.
- Admiration: With its vibrant hues and resilience, bell heather is often associated with admiration for beauty and perseverance in challenging environments.
WaterBell heather should be watered deeply yet infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In general, watering once a week during active growth periods, with approximately 1 gallon per plant, is a good rule of thumb, although this can vary with climate and soil conditions. In winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks since the plant requires less moisture when dormant. Always avoid overwatering as bell heather prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate soggy roots.
LightBell heather thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. Avoid deep shade areas, as too little light can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureBell heather prefers a cool to temperate climate and can tolerate temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, making it quite hardy. It thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. Extreme heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to the plant if not provided with adequate moisture and some afternoon shade.
PruningPrune bell heather after flowering, typically in late summer or early fall, to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Trim lightly, just below the spent flower heads, avoiding cutting into old wood, as this can hinder new shoots. Pruning annually promotes a bushier plant and better blooms for the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBell heather thrives in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. The best soil mix should be well-drained, with a combination of peat, sand, and loamy components, to mimic the plant's natural moorland habitat.
RepottingBell heather should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. It is best repotted in the spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingBell heather enjoys moderate humidity levels. While it can tolerate some dry air, it prefers conditions that are not overly arid, with humidity levels around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, acidic soil, and cooler temp for indoor bell heather.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained, acidic soil; full sun; protect in winter.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleErica cinerea 'C.d. Eason', commonly known as Bell Heather, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically requiring well-drained acidic soil and exposure to sunlight. Following germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the plant's first true leaves and the establishment of a root system. As the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, it develops a woody stem, needle-like leaves and starts to form a bushy structure. The maturity stage is marked by the production of numerous pink to purple bell-shaped flowers during the summer months, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce small capsules containing seeds, which disperse into the surrounding environment, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, Erica cinerea 'C.d. Eason' may continue vegetative growth and flowering for several years, often peaking in health and vigor between 4 to 6 years before it begins to decline naturally.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
The most popular method of propagating the plant known commonly as bell heather, specifically Erica cinerea 'C.d. Eason', is by semi-ripe cuttings. This technique is typically performed during the late summer. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select healthy, semi-ripe shoots that are not flowering and cut them to lengths of about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm). The lower leaves of the cuttings are removed, and the base of the cutting is often dipped in a rooting hormone to facilitate root development. Then, the cuttings are inserted into a mix of peat and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. They are then kept under a humidity dome or in a mist propagation unit at temperatures around 70°F (21°C) until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. After rooting, they can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and then potted on or planted out as required.
