Golden Darley Dale Heath Erica × darleyensis f. aureifolia 'Eva Gold' (PBR)

Water

The winter heath, commonly referred to as Heath 'Eva Gold', should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, provide water approximately once a week, adjusting for rainfall, ensuring that the plant receives about 1 gallon of water each time. In hot, dry weather, increase the frequency to maintain moisture levels, while in cooler seasons or during periods of rainfall, reduce the frequency correspondingly. Avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. In the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.

Light

Heath 'Eva Gold' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An optimal spot for this plant is one where it will be exposed to the morning sun and get some afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions, to protect it from the intense late-day sun.

Temperature

Heath 'Eva Gold' prefers cooler temperatures and can typically withstand temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is not well-suited for extremely hot conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive short periods of higher temperatures but should be protected from extreme heatwaves and cold snaps below the threshold.

Pruning

Prune the Heath 'Eva Gold' in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. This also helps to prevent the center of the plant from becoming woody and bare. Pruning is typically done annually, removing any dead or diseased branches and trimming back overgrowth to promote the health and appearance of the plant. Deadheading the faded flowers can also encourage a second bloom.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for Heather 'Eva Gold' is well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.0 to 7.0. A mixture containing peat moss, sand, and loamy soil in equal parts works best to provide the necessary drainage and nutrient profile.

Repotting

Heather 'Eva Gold' should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure the soil remains fertile and well-draining. Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one to allow for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Heather 'Eva Gold' thrives in moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor environments. It does not require high humidity and can tolerate the humidity levels found in most homes if grown indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Heather 'Eva Gold' in bright, indirect light, away from heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Plant Heather 'Eva Gold' in partial to full sun, in well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Erica × darleyensis f. aureifolia 'Eva Gold', commonly known as the golden foliaged Darley Dale heath, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, well-draining acidic soil in spring. After seedling establishment, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, characterized by the development of its golden-yellow foliage, which is particularly vibrant in the colder months. As it matures, the shrub-like perennial undergoes periods of growth and dormancy, aligning with seasonal changes. It typically flowers in late winter to early spring, producing small bell-shaped, pinkish-white flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, if seeds are produced, they are disbursed to give rise to new plants. This heath generally has a slow to moderate growth rate and can continue this cyclical growth pattern for many years, with appropriate care and occasional pruning to maintain its compact shape and encourage new growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Erica × darleyensis f. aureifolia 'Eva Gold', commonly known as Heather, is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late summer. Cuttings about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long are taken from the current year's growth, ensuring that a few leaves are retained at the top while the lower leaves are removed. The cut end of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix. The pot is covered with plastic to maintain humidity, and placed in a bright, warm location out of direct sunlight. Roots usually develop within several weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted.