Bell heather 'Fiddler's Gold' Erica cinerea f. aureifolia 'Fiddler's Gold'

Water

Bell Heather should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. In general, aim to water once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Bell Heather prefers not to sit in waterlogged soil, so ensure proper drainage. During hotter, drier periods, water consumption may increase, but as a guideline, provide approximately 1 gallon per plant per week, adjusting as necessary for your climate and the plant's needs.

Light

Bell Heather thrives in full sun to part shade conditions and should be placed in a location where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. The ideal spot would be one where the plant is exposed to morning sunlight and shaded during the harshest afternoon rays, promoting vibrant foliage and flower color.

Temperature

Bell Heather is cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer in conditions below that. The ideal temperature range for bell heather is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring vigorous growth and flowering. While bell heather can tolerate some heat, it is important to protect it from extremely high temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Prune Bell Heather to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, removing any dead or damaged branches and cutting back approximately one-third of the plant to promote bushier growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

'Fiddler's Gold' Heather thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. A mix of peat moss, sand, and loamy garden soil is ideal for potting or amending the soil in garden beds to ensure proper drainage and the right acidity.

Repotting

'Fiddler's Gold' Heather typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time to repot this plant to minimize stress and promote healthy growth.

Humidity & Misting

'Fiddler's Gold' Heather prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. They do well in average home humidity conditions, without the need for any special adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained acidic soil; full sun or partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Erica cinerea f. aureifolia 'Fiddler's Gold', commonly known as Bell Heather, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions, grows a small root system and a shoot that emerges from the soil. The young plant, or seedling, then develops true leaves and starts photosynthesizing, entering the vegetative stage where it grows steadily in size and form, establishing a larger root system and more foliage. As Bell Heather matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in the summer months, displaying yellow foliage and small, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and are key for sexual reproduction. After pollination, flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, thus concluding the reproductive stage. Once matured, these seeds are dispersed by wind or wildlife, and if they land in conducive conditions, the cycle begins again with a new generation of plants. Throughout its life cycle, which may last several years, 'Fiddler's Gold' goes through periods of growth, dormancy in colder months, and rejuvenation in spring, maintaining a perennial habit.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• The propagation of Erica cinerea f. aureifolia 'Fiddler's Gold', commonly known as Heather, is most effectively carried out by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is typically done during late summer. To propagate by cuttings, one should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a piece approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long. The lower leaves are removed and the base of the cutting is dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight until roots develop, which often takes several weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be potted on into individual containers.