Winter Heath Erica carnea 'December Red'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'December Red' is a striking variety that adds vibrant color to gardens during the colder months. Its leathery, needle-like leaves are a rich, dark green that provide a lush backdrop for its noteworthy blossoms. These flowers are bell-shaped and appear in clusters, boasting a deep pink to crimson hue that can vary in shade. The blooms emerge in winter and are often still adding color and life to the landscape well into early spring. The plant has a low-growing, mat-forming habit, spreading outward to create a carpet of greenery and vibrant flowers. The compact and dense foliage makes it an excellent option for ground cover, and its winter-blooming characteristic ensures garden interest at a time when many other plants are dormant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
December Red Alpine Heather, December Red Winter Heath, Winter Beauty.
Common names
Erica carnea 'December Red'
ToxicityTo humans
Winter heath is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it is not known to commonly cause adverse effects if consumed. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is always prudent to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for food.
To pets
Winter heath is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the commonly toxic plants for animals like cats and dogs. While it should not cause significant harm if ingested, it is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure. Continuous monitoring is advisable in case of any unexpected reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Winter Bloom: Erica carnea 'December Red', commonly known as Winter Heath, flowers in winter, adding color to the garden during the coldest months.
- Low Maintenance: Winter Heath is easy to care for, requiring little pruning or special attention once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry gardens.
- Cold Hardy: It is hardy in many climates, often able to withstand cold temperatures and frost.
- Groundcover: Its low, spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover that can help prevent soil erosion.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators during the winter months.
- Evergreen: As an evergreen shrub, it provides year-round interest and color in the landscape.
- Versatile Usage: Winter Heath can be used in rock gardens, borders, or as part of a heath or heather garden.
- Tolerates Poor Soils: It can grow in a variety of soil types, including poor and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained.
- Deer Resistant: It is generally resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing is an issue.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Winter Interest: Erica carnea 'December Red', commonly known as winter heath, provides vibrant color to the garden in winter when few other plants are flowering.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit can help stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion during rainy seasons.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its small size and delicate blooms, winter heath is ideal for incorporating into whimsical fairy garden designs.
- Photography: Winter heath’s bright flowers make it a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of the winter landscape.
- Art Inspiration: Artists use winter heath as a live model to paint or draw, captivated by its rich colors in the otherwise muted winter palette.
- Low Allergen Garden: As a low pollen plant, winter heath is suitable for gardens designed to minimize allergens.
- Winter Bouquets: Its long-lasting blooms and evergreen leaves can be used to create festive bouquets during the holiday season.
- Miniature Topiary: Trained and trimmed in small containers, winter heath can be shaped into miniature topiaries for tabletop displays.
- Bonsai: Some enthusiasts use winter heath to create bonsai specimens, appreciating its resilience and suitability for container living.
- Ground Cover for Spring Bulbs: Plant winter heath over spring bulb beds to provide off-season interest and mark the location of dormant bulbs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Winter Heath is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Winter Heath is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Winter Endurance: Erica carnea 'December Red', commonly known as Winter Heath, blooms in winter, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive even during the hardest of times.
- Protection: Traditionally, heath plants are associated with protection due to their dense growth, providing shelter in the wild to numerous small animals and insects.
- Good Fortune: In certain cultures, heather flowers, including Winter Heath, are considered lucky, making them a popular gift to wish someone well.
- Solitude: Because of its solitary growth in barren places, Winter Heath may represent solitude, independence, and the beauty of standing alone.
- New Beginnings: Blooming at a time when most plants are dormant, Winter Heath symbolizes new beginnings and the hope that comes with the start of a new cycle.
WaterWinter Heath should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In general, providing about 1 inch of water once a week is a good rule to follow during active growth periods. During the winter or dormant periods, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, depending on the local climate and weather conditions. It is critical to avoid waterlogging as the plant is susceptible to root rot, so ensure the planting site or container has good drainage.
LightWinter Heath requires a location with full sun to partial shade to thrive. The ideal spot would be one that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching the foliage.
TemperatureWinter Heath is hardy and can survive in temperatures ranging from 0 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for promoting healthy growth is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. They are resilient to cold and can tolerate winter temperatures well below freezing without damage.
PruningPrune Winter Heath in late spring, after flowering has finished, to maintain its compact shape and encourage bushier growth. Snip off the spent flower stems and lightly shape the plant as desired. Pruning every year or every other year is sufficient to keep the plant looking tidy and vibrant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Winter Heath, commonly known as Erica carnea 'December Red', thrives best in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. A suitable soil mix can include equal parts of peat moss, sand, and loam or a commercial ericaceous compost to ensure proper acidity and drainage.
RepottingWinter Heath should be repotted every two to three years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. It's essential to provide fresh ericaceous soil mix to maintain acidity.
Humidity & MistingWinter Heath prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier conditions typical of most home environments. Avoid extremes of too dry or too humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Winter Heath in bright light, cool area, and use acidic soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained, acidic soil, partial sun, and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life of 'December Red' Heather (Erica carnea 'December Red') begins with germination, where the seeds require well-draining, slightly acidic soil and some light to develop. After sprouting, the seedlings grow into small, evergreen shrubs, with foliage maturing to deep green. Vegetative growth continues with the plant developing a woody base and numerous stems, leading to a mature shrub that spreads outwards. The 'December Red' Heather typically blooms during late winter to early spring, showing off small, urn-shaped, deep pink to red flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the plant develops small seed capsules, which release seeds when mature, enabling the next generation to begin the cycle anew. In the absence of disturbance, the heather can persist for many years, with periodic pruning necessary to encourage new growth and maintain an attractive shape.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Erica carnea 'December Red', commonly known as the winter heath, is via semi-ripe cuttings. The best time for this is during the late summer months, typically from late July to September. Gardeners take semi-ripe cuttings, which are sections of the stem that have begun to harden but still retain some flexibility. These cuttings, about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) long, are trimmed just below a node, and the lower leaves are removed. It's important that the cutting contains at least one node where leaves are attached, as this is where root development is most likely to occur. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining potting mix that could be composed of equal parts peat and sharp sand or perlite. They should be kept in a humid environment with indirect light until they root, which usually takes a few weeks.
