Cornish heath 'Lyonesse' Erica vagans f. alba 'Lyonesse'

Water

Cornish heath should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the climate, this might mean watering once or twice a week. During the growing season, in spring and summer, they may require more frequent watering, and less during the dormant winter months. It's best to check the top inch of soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water. Provide about 1 gallon of water per week during the active growing season, adjusting for rainfall and temperature changes.

Light

Cornish heath thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure that it is sheltered from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates, as this can cause stress to the plant.

Temperature

Cornish heath prefers mild climates and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit but will thrive best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy but may require protection from extreme cold or frost, especially in areas where temperatures dip below its minimum tolerance.

Pruning

Cornish heath should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. The best time for pruning is immediately after flowering, typically in late summer. Prune lightly, removing spent flower stalks and any dead or dying branches. Annual pruning helps to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and promotes healthier, denser foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Cornish Heath is one that is well-draining, acidic, and contains a mixture of peat, sand, and loamy soil. A pH level of 4.5 to 5.5 is ideal for Erica vagans f. alba 'Lyonesse.'

Repotting

Cornish Heath should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Best done in the spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Cornish Heath thrives in moderate humidity levels; it doesn't require overly humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, acidic soil, cool temps, and moderate humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining, acidic soil; full sun to part shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Cornwall Heath 'Lyonesse' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in well-drained, acidic soil. Once sprouted, the seedling develops into a young plant, establishing a root system and producing needle-like foliage. As it matures, it enters a vegetative stage, where it continues to grow, forming a bushy evergreen shrub. During the flowering stage, typically in late summer to early fall, it produces clusters of small, bell-shaped, white flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small seed capsules, which eventually open to release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. This perennial shrub will then continue to grow and may undergo periods of dormancy during colder months, resuming active growth with the return of favorable conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Summer to Autumn

• The most popular method of propagation for Erica vagans f. alba 'Lyonesse', commonly known as Cornish heath, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This is typically done in mid to late summer. To propagate, one would take a cutting of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long, ensuring that it includes a small part of the older wood, or a "heel," at the base. The leaves at the lower part of the stem are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a fine-grade rooting compost. The cuttings should then be placed in a cold frame or a sheltered spot with indirect light and kept moist until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months. Once rooted, the planting can be transferred to individual pots and eventually planted out in the garden after the risk of frost has passed.