Bell Heather Erica cinerea 'Champs Hill'
ABOUT
The plant known as Erica cinerea 'Champs Hill', commonly referred to as Bell Heather, is characterized by its vibrant and abundant flowers. This particular variety boasts flowers that are typically a deep, purplish-pink hue, which add a striking splash of color to landscapes. The flowers have a bell shape, which is a signature of the heather family, and they tend to cover the plant in a dense profusion, giving it a very full and lush appearance. The foliage of Bell Heather is also noteworthy, consisting of small, needle-like leaves that contribute to the plant's fine texture and dense growth habit. These leaves are often a gray-green or dark green color, creating a lovely contrast with the vibrant flowers. The Bell Heather has a growth pattern that forms a neat mound or a bushy, spreading form. This well-defined shape, combined with its showy blooms and evergreen leaves, makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add year-round interest to their gardens. The overall impression that Erica cinerea 'Champs Hill' gives is one of a robust, flowering plant that brings a burst of color and an element of structure to garden settings, without reference to its size. Its appearance can vary across different settings, but it commonly serves as a focal point due to its arresting color and attractive form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Bell Heather, Twisted Heath
Common names
Erica cinerea 'Champs Hill'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heather, specifically Erica cinerea 'Champs Hill', is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, it's always advisable to be cautious and avoid ingesting plants unless they are known to be edible, especially in significant quantities. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from ingesting heather because it is not typically recognized as a poisonous plant to humans.
To pets
Heather, specifically Erica cinerea 'Champs Hill', is generally considered non-toxic to pets. This includes both cats and dogs. While it is not known to be a poisonous plant, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets. If a pet ingests a large amount of heather, they might experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If such symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Erica cinerea 'Champs Hill', also known as bell heather, is attractive to bees and butterflies, which helps in pollination of surrounding plants.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, bell heather is quite drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for dry or xeriscape gardens.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, which makes it suitable for gardeners who prefer less hands-on approach.
- Evergreen foliage: Bell heather keeps its foliage year-round, providing consistent texture and color in the garden even during winter.
- Wildlife habitat: It offers shelter and habitat to various wildlife species, particularly beneficial insects and small mammals.
- Landscape versatility: Can be used in rock gardens, as groundcover, or in borders, offering excellent versatility in landscaping choices.
- Long flowering period: The long bloom time from midsummer to early fall ensures a lasting display of color.
- Soil erosion control: Its mat-forming growth habit helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Color variety: Bell heather comes in various colors, allowing for a range of design and color theme possibilities in the garden.
- Resistant to pests and diseases: Generally resistant to common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Deer resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, an advantage in areas where deer browsing can be a problem for gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: The dried flowers of Erica cinerea, commonly known as bell heather, are used in floral arrangements, providing a natural and wild look to bouquets.
- Dye Production: Bell heather can be used to produce a natural dye for wool and textiles, yielding a range of colors from green to yellow, depending on the mordant used.
- Craft Projects: The flexible stems of bell heather can be woven or braided to create decorative crafts such as wreaths or small baskets.
- Model Landscapes: Miniature hobbyists use bell heather to create realistic vegetation in model train setups or dioramas due to its fine texture and scale-like appearance.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly consumed, bell heather can be used as an edible garnish to add a touch of elegance to dishes and desserts.
- Photography: Bell heather's vibrant purple blooms are popular among photographers for capturing the beauty of heathlands and natural landscapes.
- Erosion Control: This hardy plant can be used in landscaping to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in areas susceptible to wind or water runoff.
- Wildlife Shelter: When grown in clusters, bell heather provides shelter and nesting sites for various insects, birds, and small mammals.
- Ground Cover: Due to its low-growing habit, bell heather is used as an attractive ground cover in rock gardens and heathland restoration projects.
- Incense: Dried bell heather flowers can be used in creating natural incense mixes, offering a subtle woodland fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bell Heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Solitude: The Erica cinerea, commonly known as Bell Heather, often thrives in the rocky and barren landscapes, symbolizing a resilient spirit that can flourish in solitude.
- Protection: Traditionally, Bell Heather has been associated with protection due to its dense growth that can provide shelter for small animals and insects in its natural habitat.
- Admiration: In floral language, Bell Heather can represent admiration toward someone's independence and ability to prosper under challenging circumstances.
- Good fortune: In some cultures, Bell Heather is considered a good luck charm, believed to bring good fortune to those who keep it or provide it as a gift.
- Beauty: The plant's attractive purple flowers are often linked to beauty, reflecting the natural charm and elegance it adds to the landscape.
WaterFor the Bell Heather, Erica cinerea 'Champs Hill', ensure the plant is watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. These plants generally need watering about once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and weather conditions. Use about one gallon of water per plant each time you water. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be required to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. During winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture due to dormancy.
LightBell Heather thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is a location where it can receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. Dappled sunlight under open-branched trees can also be ideal for providing the light conditions that the Bell Heather prefers.
TemperatureThe Bell Heather prefers a cool to moderate temperature range. It can typically tolerate temperature lows down to about 10°F and will do best when temperatures do not exceed 70°F. Extreme heat can be detrimental, and it is important to provide protection from harsh winter winds.
PruningPrune Bell Heather to shape the plant, remove dead flowers, and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Pruning should be done annually to maintain a compact and attractive shape and to prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBell heather prefers acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5. The best soil mix is a combination of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil in equal parts to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingBell heather should be repotted every two to three years to replenish the soil and promote healthy growth. Spring is the best time to repot this plant.
Humidity & MistingBell heather thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity levels commonly found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil slightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, ensure acidic soil, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleErica cinerea 'Champs Hill', commonly known as Bell Heather, begins its life as a seed, which requires well-drained, acidic soil and light for germination. Once sprouted, the seedling grows into a woody perennial shrub, establishing a root system and producing needle-like leaves. The plant reaches maturity in a few years, during which it produces bell-shaped flowers ranging from purple to pink in summer. After pollination, usually by bees or other insects, the flowers develop into small seed capsules, which eventually open to release seeds for the next generation. In optimal conditions, Bell Heather can live and continue this reproductive cycle for several years. During its lifetime, the plant also undergoes seasonal changes, with foliage remaining evergreen but growth slowing or stopping in colder months.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Spring
Erica cinerea 'Champs Hill', commonly known as bell heather, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer after the plant has finished flowering. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) is taken from a healthy parent plant. Make sure the cutting has several leaves and remove the lower foliage to expose a clean stem. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, and insert it into a mix of peat and perlite. The cutting should be kept under high humidity and indirect light until new growth indicates the formation of roots, usually in a few weeks to a couple of months.
