Bell Heather Erica cinerea f. aureifolia 'Goldilocks'
ABOUT
The 'Goldilocks' plant is a striking variety with foliage that stands out in the garden due to its golden-yellow color. The leaves are needle-like, giving the plant a fine, delicate texture that is visually appealing against the contrasting greenery of other plants. During its blooming period, this variety produces beautiful bell-shaped flowers which could be in shades of purple or lavender, adding a soft pop of color. These flowers are small but abundant, and they cluster along the stems, creating an eye-catching display that is both pretty and dainty. The overall appearance of 'Goldilocks' is one of a bright and cheerful plant that enlivens the garden with its gold-tinted foliage and charming flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Bell Heather 'Goldilocks', Golden Twisted Heath, Goldilocks Heath
Common names
Erica cinerea f. aureifolia 'Goldilocks'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Heather (Erica) generally is not considered toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of severe toxicity or poisoning resulting from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's always best to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for human consumption.
To pets
Heather (Erica) is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not usually listed among plants that are poisonous to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. Nonetheless, ingestion of any plant material could potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets due to individual sensitivities. It is always advisable to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants, as they might have digestion issues or allergic reactions to plants that are not part of their typical diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gold
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (45 centimeters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: 'Goldilocks' provides nectar that is attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Ornamental Value: With its golden foliage, this heather variety adds vibrant color and texture to gardens throughout the year.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Goldilocks' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners with limited time or those seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Evergreen: As an evergreen plant, 'Goldilocks' provides year-round interest and structure to garden beds and borders.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a variety of soils, although it prefers well-drained, acidic soils.
- Hardiness: 'Goldilocks' is hardy in a range of climates and can withstand cold temperatures, making it an excellent choice for temperate gardens.
- Ground Cover: This heather functions well as a ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
- Winter Interest: Even in the coldest months, 'Goldilocks' retains its colorful foliage, adding beauty to the winter garden landscape.
- Re-blooming: Often blossoms again later in the season, providing long-lasting color and bloom in the garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Erica cinerea 'Goldilocks' can be used as a vibrant, golden-hued subject or backdrop in macro and garden photography due to its striking foliage and form.
- Education: Botany and horticulture educators utilize 'Goldilocks' to teach about heathland ecosystems and plant cultivation techniques.
- Floral Arrangements: The colorful stems and foliage can add a unique texture and a splash of color to both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Erosion Control: It can be used in landscaping to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion due to its mat-forming growth habit.
- Culinary Decoration: The flowers and leaves can be used as non-toxic decorative elements on cakes and pastries.
- Art Supplies: The plant's natural dyes can be used in art for coloring fabrics or creating watercolor paints.
- Wildlife Garden: 'Goldilocks' provides shelter and food for various insects and birds, making it an ideal choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
- Themed Gardens: This variety is perfect for creating a 'gold' themed garden or for complementing other plants in a rainbow-themed planting scheme.
- Seasonal Displays: Its gold foliage makes an attractive addition to autumn garden displays, even when not in bloom.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its small size and delicate appearance, 'Goldilocks' is popular for use in whimsical fairy garden designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Heather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Loneliness: The plant's heather origins are often associated with solitude and the feeling of being alone.
- Protection: Heather plants are believed to offer protective qualities, hence conveying a sense of safety.
- Good luck: In some cultures, heather is carried as a charm to attract good fortune and ward off negative energies.
- Beauty: 'Goldilocks' speaks to the aesthetic beauty of the plant, highlighting its ornamental value and charm.
WaterThe Bell Heather 'Goldilocks' should be watered deeply enough to moisten the soil throughout the root zone, approximately once a week during the growing season. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is well-drained and never becomes waterlogged. During periods of rainfall, reduce watering frequency. In dry spells, additional watering may be necessary, providing about one gallon of water per plant each time to sustain moisture levels. During winter, watering should be minimal as the plant requires less moisture due to dormancy.
LightBell Heather 'Goldilocks' thrives best in full sun conditions where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that offers morning sun and some protection from the intense afternoon heat is ideal. If you are planting it indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window to ensure it gets adequate light.
TemperatureBell Heather 'Goldilocks' prefers a cool to moderate climate, with ideal temperatures ranging between 60°F and 70°F. It can withstand temperatures down to about 20°F but shouldn't be exposed to prolonged periods of extreme cold. During the summer, excessive heat above 75°F may stress the plant, so it should be protected from scorching temperatures.
PruningPrune Bell Heather 'Goldilocks' to remove dead flowers and maintain its shape immediately after the blooming period, which is generally in late summer or fall. Pruning encourages new growth and better blooms for the following season. Do not prune too late in the season, as this can leave the new growth vulnerable to frost damage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bell Heather (Erica cinerea 'Goldilocks') thrives best in a well-draining, acidic soil mix with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A suitable mix can be created with 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 coarse sand, and 1/3 pine bark. This combination ensures proper drainage and retains the right acidity levels for the plant to flourish.
RepottingBell Heather typically does not need to be repotted often, but you can repot every two to three years to refresh the soil. Repot in the spring before new growth begins, using an acidic soil mix designed for ericaceous plants.
Humidity & MistingBell Heather prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate dry air. Ensure that outdoor planting locations are not overly arid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleErica cinerea 'Goldilocks', commonly known as Bell Heather, starts its life as a seed, which upon finding the right conditions of soil and climate, germinates to develop a root system and a shoot that emerges from the ground. As the seedling grows, it develops into a mature plant with needle-like foliage that is golden-yellow in color when exposed to full sun, with the plant often forming a tight, compact bush. During its flowering stage, typically in summer, 'Goldilocks' produces small bell-shaped flowers ranging in color from deep purple to lilac. After pollination, which is usually carried out by bees and other insects, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. During the plant's dormant phase in colder months, growth slows down, but 'Goldilocks' remains evergreen. With a lifespan that can exceed several years, 'Goldilocks' will continue this cycle, with mature plants capable of producing more seeds to start new generations.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method for propagating the Heather 'Goldilocks' is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically occurs during summer when the plant's growth has started to mature but is not yet fully hardened. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a length of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters). Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Then insert the cuttings into a mix of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring that the leafless part is buried. The cuttings should be placed in a warm, humid environment but out of direct sunlight. It usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months for the cuttings to root sufficiently, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final location in the garden.
