Bell Heather Erica cinerea 'Velvet Night'
ABOUT
The plant Velvet Night is a visually striking variety known for its dark foliage and deep, vivid flowers. Its leaves are needle-like, creating a fine, dense texture that can appear almost black in certain lights, giving a dramatic contrast to the colorful blossoms. The flowers, typically a deep purple to violet shade, are shaped like small bells and grow in clusters, providing a rich display of color that tends to stand out strikingly against the dark leaves. The overall impression is one of a lush, colorful plant that exudes an air of elegance and mystery with its unique color palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Bell Heather, Twisted Heath
Common names
Erica cinerea 'Velvet Night'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bell heather is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity or poisonous effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, and it is always advisable not to eat ornamental plants.
To pets
Bell heather is generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any significant toxic effects if ingested by animals. However, individual pets may have different sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. To ensure the safety of your pets, it is best to prevent them from consuming any part of ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Spread
1.5 feet [0.45 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds deep purple to almost black-colored flowers to gardens, providing a unique and striking visual contrast.
- Attracts Wildlife: Invites beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many other plants.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer plants that do not need constant attention.
- Drought Tolerance: Capable of surviving periods of low water availability, which is particularly useful in regions with water restrictions or dry climates.
- Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage maintains visual interest in the garden throughout the year, even when not in bloom.
- Cold Hardy: Resilient in many climates and can withstand frost, making it suitable for gardens in cooler regions.
- Versatility: Can be planted in beds, borders, rockeries and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Deer Resistance: Generally not preferred by deer, which helps to prevent browsing damage in areas where deer are a common garden pest.
- Soil Adaptability: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, though it prefers acidic, well-drained soils.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a lengthy display of blooms from midsummer to fall, providing color for an extended period.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bonsai Sculpting: Erica cinerea, commonly known as bell heather, can be trained into a bonsai form, providing an interesting challenge for enthusiasts seeking a unique species for their miniature landscapes.
- Artistic Dye: The dark hues of the 'Velvet Night' variety can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles, offering a sustainable alternative for artists and crafters.
- Photography Backdrops: With its vibrant foliage and flowers, bell heather can be cultivated in gardens to create picturesque backgrounds for photography, especially macro photography.
- Edible Decorations: Although not a common practice, the flowers of bell heather can be candied and used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting nature of its blooms makes bell heather a beautiful addition to dried floral arrangements and wreaths, providing color and texture.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Dried stems and flowers of bell heather can be used as a natural, biodegradable filler material for packaging delicate items.
- Wildlife Support: Planting bell heather in gardens can support local wildlife, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that rely on its nectar.
- Soil Stabilization: Bell heather can be used in landscape restoration projects to prevent soil erosion, thanks to its hardy root system.
- Scented Crafts: The subtle fragrance of bell heather can be infused into potpourris, sachets, or homemade scented candles to bring a natural aroma into homes.
- Seasonal Celebrations: In some cultures, bell heather is used during winter solstice celebrations and as decorations during other seasonal festivals due to its evergreen nature and symbolism of protection.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bell Heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bell Heather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Solitude: The 'Velvet Night' variety of Heather, often found in solitary patches, can symbolize a preference for solitude or introspection.
- Protection: Heather plants are historically considered to carry protective properties, and 'Velvet Night' shares this symbolism, perhaps offering safeguarding in dark times.
- Good fortune: Heather, in general, is associated with luck, and 'Velvet Night' may be especially considered lucky due to its rich, dark hue.
- Admiration: With its striking dark flowers, 'Velvet Night' Heather signifies admiration and is often given as a sign of respect for someone’s beauty or accomplishments.
- Independence: The ability of Heather to thrive on barren landscapes speaks to independence, and 'Velvet Night' specifically celebrates the beauty of self-reliance.
- Wishes coming true: The old tradition of using Heather for making wishes carries over to 'Velvet Night,' suggesting that this plant may help wishes manifest.
WaterBell Heather should be watered when the topsoil feels dry, typically every 7 to 10 days depending on the climate and indoor conditions. Water it thoroughly, with enough water to moisten the soil throughout the pot but without waterlogging it, which can cause root rot. Aim to apply approximately one gallon of water for larger shrubs or just a few ounces for smaller potted specimens, adjusting the amount as needed for the size of your plant.
LightBell Heather thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is an ideal spot, ensuring it gets ample sunlight to promote flowering.
TemperatureBell Heather prefers moderate temperature conditions, ideally thriving in a range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from prolonged exposure to frosts. During hot summer months, ensure it's not subject to temperatures over 75 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.
PruningPruning Bell Heather is done to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or faded flowers. Light pruning should be performed annually, ideally right after the plant has finished blooming in summer. Over-pruning or cutting into older wood can damage the plant, so only prune the tips of the newer growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBell Heather (Erica cinerea 'Velvet Night') thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. An ideal soil mix can be achieved by combining equal parts of peat moss, coarse sand, and pine bark or a commercial ericaceous mix designed for acid-loving plants.
RepottingBell Heather should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingBell Heather prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier conditions typical of most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bell Heather in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Position Bell Heather in full sun to partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleErica cinerea 'Velvet Night', commonly known as bell heather, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires well-draining, acidic soil and exposure to sunlight to germinate. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and will develop into a young plant, featuring needle-like foliage and eventually maturing into a dense, bushy shrub. The mature bell heather reaches its flowering stage during the summer months, producing its characteristic dark purple flowers which are attractive to bees and butterflies. This perennial plant will enter a semi-dormant state during the winter, withstanding cold temperatures and reduced sunlight. As spring arrives, bell heather resumes its growth, replenishing its foliage and preparing for the next flowering cycle. With appropriate care and favorable conditions, Erica cinerea 'Velvet Night' can live and flourish for many years, with its life span potentially extending over a decade.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer-autumn
Propogation: Heather (Erica cinerea 'Velvet Night') is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is during the later part of summer or early autumn when the current year's growth has started to mature but isn't fully hardened. Cuttings should be about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in length. After cutting, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining growing medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite or sand, and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots develop, which can take several weeks to a few months. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot.
