Heather 'Aurea' Erica carnea f. aureifolia 'Aurea'
ABOUT
'Aurea' is a compact variety with golden foliage. The tips of the foliage turn orange in the spring. Dark pink flowers which darken with age are produced from January until May
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Golden Winter Heath, Golden Alpine Heath
Common names
Erica carnea f. aureifolia 'Aurea'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Yellowish-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Winter Interest: Erica carnea 'Aurea' blooms in winter when most other plants are dormant, providing color and interest in the garden during the colder months.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardening.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and is generally free from major pests and diseases, making it an easy-care choice for gardeners.
- Ground Cover: With its low, spreading habit, it serves as an excellent ground cover, reducing weed growth and covering bare spots in the landscape.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth helps to stabilize soil on slopes, making it beneficial for erosion control efforts.
- Attracts Wildlife: Early flowering provides a vital source of nectar for bees and other pollinators when few other food sources are available.
- Evergreen Foliage: The plant retains its leaves throughout the year, providing persistent foliage and year-round texture to the garden.
- Color Variety: It offers a change in foliage with yellow leaves, which can contrast nicely with other plants and contribute to a diverse garden palette.
- Hardiness: Suitable for cold climates, it can withstand frost and survive in USDA hardiness zones 5-7.
- Versatility: Useful in rock gardens, alpine gardens, or as part of a mixed border, providing versatility in its application in different garden settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Erica carnea can be used as a beautiful subject for winter and early spring photography due to its bright flowers and appealing green-gold foliage.
- Winter Gardens: This plant provides winter interest in gardens, where most other plants have died back or are dormant.
- Beekeeping: During the flowering period in late winter to early spring, the flowers serve as an important early pollen source for bees.
- Cultural Symbolism: The golden foliage can be used in floral arrangements to symbolize warmth and renewed growth, particularly in regions where early spring is celebrated.
- Craft Projects: Dried sprigs of Erica carnea can be used in craft projects, such as wreaths or potpourri, due to their color and durability.
- Fairy Gardens: Miniature cultivars of the Winter Heath are popular for use in fairy gardens due to their small size and dainty flowers.
- Educational Tool: Erica carnea can be used in educational settings to teach about plant adaptations, such as their ability to flower in cold temperatures.
- Soil Erosion Control: Planting Erica carnea on slopes can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion because of its mat-forming growth habit.
- Winter Bouquets: The branches with flowers can be cut and used in winter bouquets to add a splash of color during gloomy months.
- Fragrance: While not strong, the subtle scent of Erica carnea flowers can contribute to a pleasant smell in gardens, and can be enjoyed during a time when few other plants are flowering.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWinter heath is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWinter heath is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Erica carnea, commonly known as winter heath, typically symbolizes endurance because of its hardy nature and ability to bloom in the cold winter months.
- Protection: In folklore, heaths were often considered to protect against evil spirits and misfortune, representing a shield against negative forces.
- Solitude: With its preference for growing in isolated yet striking patches, the winter heath can symbolize a joy in solitude and the beauty of peaceful, solitary places.
- Good Luck: Some cultures believe that winter heath brings good luck, possibly owing to its evergreen nature and resilience in the face of adversity.
WaterSpringwood Yellow, commonly known as Winter Heath, should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural habitat. Aim to water it once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the climate and soil drainage. Each watering session should provide the plant with about 1 gallon of water. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more often, while during cooler, wetter periods, the plant will require less water.
LightWinter Heath prefers full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is one that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from burning.
TemperatureWinter Heath is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable in temperatures up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature conditions for thriving growth are between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Winter Heath in late spring after the flowers have faded. This helps maintain a compact, neat shape and encourages new growth. Lightly trim back the tips of the branches, removing no more than a third of the length. Pruning is typically done once a year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinter heath (Erica carnea) prefers well-draining acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. The best soil mix is a blend of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil that ensures proper drainage while retaining some moisture. Regularly amending with compost will provide necessary nutrients.
RepottingWinter heath should be repotted every two to three years, ideally in the spring. Make sure to use an acidic soil mix appropriate for ericaceous plants during repotting.
Humidity & MistingWinter heath thrives in moderate to high humidity conditions but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity levels typically found in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with acidic soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, acidic soil, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleErica carnea f. aureifolia 'Aurea', commonly known as Golden Winter Heather, begins its life as a seed which germinates in moist, well-draining acidic soil in a cool environment. Upon germination, it develops a root system and a small rosette of needle-like green-gold leaves. As it matures, the plant forms a woody stem and reaches flowering maturity, typically producing pink to purplish flowers from late winter to early spring, often while snow is still present on the ground. After pollination, which is assisted by bees and other insects, the flowers develop into small capsules containing numerous seeds. Following seed set, the plant enters a period of dormancy in the summer, conserving energy and surviving with minimal water. The Golden Winter Heather completes its cycle by dispersing seeds, either through wind or wildlife activity, enabling new plants to grow and start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
The most popular method of propagating the Winter Heath, specifically Erica carnea f. aureifolia 'Aurea', is through semi-ripe cuttings. This typically occurs during the summer months, as this is when semi-ripe wood is most readily available. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting of about 2 to 4 inches (approximately 5 to 10 centimeters) long, ensuring there are several leaves left on the stem. The bottom end of the cutting, just below a leaf node, should be dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat or a similar well-draining propagation medium. The pot would be kept in a bright area out of direct sunlight, ensuring that the medium remains moist until roots develop, which can take several weeks. After rooting, the new Winter Heath plants can be potted on or planted out as desired.
