Bell heather 'Stephen Davis' Erica cinerea 'Stephen Davis'

Water

Bell Heather, the common name for Erica cinerea 'Stephen Davis', prefers consistent moisture but doesn't like being waterlogged. Water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be about once a week, depending on climate conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. During hotter months, you might need to water twice a week. As a guideline, provide about one gallon of water for an established plant each time you water, ensuring you moisten the root zone without saturation.

Light

Bell Heather thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for the plant is in an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.

Temperature

Bell Heather is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, thriving in conditions between 32°F and 70°F. This plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10°F and maximum temperatures up to approximately 75°F. However, it performs best in cooler climates and may require protection from intense heat.

Pruning

Pruning of Bell Heather is mainly for shaping and removing spent flower stalks. It's best to prune right after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain a compact form. This plant should be pruned lightly each year, cutting back into the previous year's growth but not into the old wood, as it may not readily sprout new shoots.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Bell Heather (Erica cinerea 'Stephen Davis') should be well-draining and slightly acidic with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. A mixture of peat, sand, and loamy soil in equal parts often works well. Ensuring good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Bell Heather should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and promote healthy growth. It's best to repot in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Bell Heather thrives in moderate humidity levels. While it can tolerate some variation, the ideal relative humidity range is between 45% and 60%. Too much humidity can lead to fungal issues.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure acidic soil, bright light, cool room for Bell Heather.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, acidic soil, protect from harsh sun.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Erica cinerea 'Stephen Davis', commonly known as bell heather, begins its life as a tiny seed that germinates in well-draining, acidic soil, often requiring exposure to light to initiate growth. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling with narrow, needle-like leaves, gradually maturing into a woody shrub over several years. Throughout the spring and summer, it produces numerous small bell-shaped flowers, typically with a heathery purple color, attracting pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the flowers develop into capsules containing numerous seeds, which are dispersed by wind or animal activity. The parent plant may continue to grow and spread, forming larger clumps, and can live for a considerable time, flowering each year, provided the conditions remain suitable. During the winter, bell heather enters a period of dormancy, focusing on root development and energy conservation in preparation for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• The most popular method for propagating the Erica cinerea 'Stephen Davis', commonly known as bell heather, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This is best done in late summer when the plant's new growth has begun to harden slightly. To propagate, select healthy, semi-ripe shoots and cut a piece about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, if desired, and then insert into a well-drained potting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity, and keep it in bright, indirect light. The cuttings should root in several weeks, after which they can be potted up individually.