Bell Heather Erica cinerea f. aureifolia 'Windlebrooke'

Water

For the Bell Heather Erica cinerea 'Windlebrooke', watering should be consistent to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as proper drainage is essential. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water approximately once a week with about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon per plant, depending on the size and the environmental conditions. In the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out. If the plant is in a container, check for moisture by feeling the soil an inch below the surface and water if it feels dry.

Light

Bell Heather Erica cinerea 'Windlebrooke' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight a day. If planted indoors, a south-facing window is ideal to provide adequate light, or a spot where it can receive bright, indirect light throughout the day.

Temperature

The optimal temperature range for Bell Heather Erica cinerea 'Windlebrooke' is between 60°F and 70°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, but should be protected from extreme cold. Ideally, maintain temperatures above freezing to ensure plant health.

Pruning

Prune Bell Heather Erica cinerea 'Windlebrooke' to remove dead flowers and encourage bushy growth. The best time for pruning is immediately after flowering, typically in late summer. This not only helps the plant retain a compact shape but also promotes vigorous growth for the next season. Pruning should be done yearly to maintain its attractive appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Bell Heather requires well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A mix of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil works best to provide the appropriate conditions. It's essential to avoid heavy, clay-rich soils that can retain too much moisture and lead to root rot.

Repotting

Bell Heather should be repotted every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. This is to refresh the soil and ensure that the roots have enough space to grow. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Bell Heather thrives in moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions. Ideally, it should be grown in an environment with 40-60% humidity for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, ensure acidic soil, and keep humidity moderate.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, acidic soil, protect from harsh winter conditions.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Erica cinerea f. aureifolia 'Windlebrooke', commonly known as Bell Heather, begins its life cycle with germination, which occurs when environmental conditions are favorable, typically in well-drained acidic soils. Following germination, the seedling emerges and enters the vegetative stage, focusing on root and shoot development to establish itself. As the plant matures, it enters the adult phase, characterized by the development of woody stems and foliage, with needle-like leaves that are golden in this cultivar. The reproductive phase includes the production of bell-shaped flowers, usually in summer, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After pollination, seed sets and disperses to initiate a new generation. Finally, Bell Heather is an evergreen perennial, so this cycle of vegetative growth and reproduction can continue for several years before the plant eventually senesces and dies.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter to early spring

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Heather 'Windlebrooke' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place in late summer after the blooms have faded and new growth begins to harden. Cuttings about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long are taken from healthy, non-flowering stems. The leaves on the lower half of these cuttings are removed, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a potting mix of peat and perlite to retain moisture while allowing for good drainage. The pot is covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity, and it's kept in a warm place with indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots and gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting them in their permanent location.