Exeter Heath Erica × veitchii 'Exeter'
ABOUT
Erica × veitchii 'Exeter', commonly known as Heather, is adorned with an evergreen foliage that provides a lush backdrop to its standout feature: the mass of bell-shaped flowers that grace the plant. These flowers are typically a vivid combination of greens and pinks. The green color is most prominent at the calyx, which is the whorl of sepals at the base of the bloom, while varying shades of pink color the petals that extend upwards, often fading to paler hues as they reach the tips. The foliage of Heather consists of small, needle-like leaves that cover the stems densely, creating a fine, textured appearance. These leaves are typically a deep green, giving the plant a robust and rich presence throughout the year. In contrast to the delicate flowers, the leaves are hardy and provide a striking contrast with their more solid form. The flowers are arranged in racemes, which are clusters that grow at the termini of the stems, creating a profuse and showy display that can be quite eye-catching. Overall, the visual impact of Heather 'Exeter' is one of dense foliage punctuated by sprays of delicate, colorful flowers that together form a plant that is both grounded and ethereal in its beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Veitch's Heath, Exeter Heath
Common names
Erica × veitchii 'Exeter'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Heather is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of Heather causing poisoning in humans upon ingestion, and it should not pose a serious threat if accidentally consumed in small quantities. However, individual allergies and sensitivities can occur with any plant.
To pets
Heather is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe around cats, dogs, and other household pets. If a pet were to ingest a small amount of Heather, it is unlikely to suffer from significant poisoning. As with humans, pets may have individual allergies or sensitivities, so monitoring for any unusual reactions is still advised.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Erica × veitchii 'Exeter', commonly known as Heather 'Exeter', has attractive foliage and produces beautiful flowers which add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Year-Round Interest: The plant has evergreen qualities, maintaining its foliage throughout the year and providing consistent visual interest even in winter months.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Heather 'Exeter' is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for regular watering and making it suitable for drier climates or water-conserving gardens.
- Cold Resistance: This plant is hardy and can survive in cold climates, making it a viable choice for gardeners in regions with harsh winters.
- Wildlife Friendly: The flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity and encouraging beneficial pollinator populations.
- Low Maintenance: Heather 'Exeter' requires minimal pruning and care, making it an excellent option for gardeners looking for plants that are easy to care for.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including rock gardens, borders, ground cover, and container gardening.
- Soil Adaptability: Heather 'Exeter' can grow in a wide range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soils.
- Disease Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to common diseases, ensuring robust growth with minimal intervention.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miniature Bonsai Gardens: Due to their small size and attractive foliage, Exeter can be trained as miniature bonsai for ornamental displays.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, Exeter may be used a symbol of good fortune or used in festive decorations during certain seasons.
- Photography Prop: The vibrant colors and textures of the plant make it a suitable subject or backdrop for close-up photography and botanical art.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves may be used to produce natural dyes for textiles or craft projects.
- Floral Arrangements: Stems of Exeter can be cut and included in fresh or dried floral arrangements due to their long-lasting nature and visual appeal.
- Scented Potpourri: The dried flowers can add fragrance and texture to homemade potpourri mixtures.
- Insect Repellent: Some people may hang dried branches to repel certain insects naturally, though efficacy may vary.
- Winter Garden Interest: With its evergreen nature, Exeter provides color and structure to gardens during the dull winter months.
- Edging Plants: This plant can be used as a border or edging in garden designs due to its compact growth habit.
- Artistic Inspiration: The diverse color palette of Exeter foliage and blossoms might inspire artists for paintings, illustrations, and fabric designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Heather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance and Survival: Erica, commonly known as heather, typically symbolizes endurance and survival due to its hardy nature, thriving in harsh, rocky areas.
- Protection: Heather is often associated with protection; it is believed to have been used historically to make brooms for sweeping away harmful influences.
- Good Luck: In some cultures, heather is considered a lucky charm, particularly white heather, which is rare and therefore highly valued.
- Solitude: Given its preference for growing in quiet, undisturbed places, heather is sometimes seen as a symbol for solitude and the enjoyment of peace.
WaterThe Exeter Heath should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In general, you should provide about 1 gallon of water per plant each week, adjusting based on weather conditions and soil drainage. During hotter and drier periods, you may need to water more frequently, while during cooler, wetter weather, you can water less often. It's important to ensure that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overhead watering to prevent wet foliage which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightThe Exeter Heath thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureThe Exeter Heath prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It may need protection from hot afternoon sun in areas with high summer temperatures.
PruningPrune the Exeter Heath to remove dead or spent flowers and to maintain its neat, bushy shape. The best time for pruning is immediately after the main flowering period has ended, which is typically in late spring or early summer. Pruning at this time allows the plant to set buds for the next year's bloom and prevents it from becoming leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Exeter Bell Heather should be well-draining and acidic, with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil is ideal to maintain the proper drainage and acidity levels.
RepottingExeter Bell Heather should be repotted every two to three years, or when it outgrows its current pot, to ensure continued growth and to refresh the nutrient availability in the soil.
Humidity & MistingExeter Bell Heather thrives best in moderate humidity levels, typically ranging from 45% to 65%. It generally does not require the high humidity levels that some other plants might need.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure acidic soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, in acidic, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleErica × veitchii 'Exeter', commonly known as Exeter Heath, begins life as a seed, requiring well-drained acidic soil and exposure to light for germination. Once sprouted, the seedling grows into a small shrub, developing evergreen needle-like leaves and a deep root system to survive in its preferred moorland habitat. As the plant matures, it produces abundant bell-shaped flowers typically during late winter to early spring, attracting pollinators such as bees. After pollination, these flowers develop into small capsules, which eventually release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the year, Exeter Heath undergoes periods of growth and dormancy, with the active growth period in the spring and summer months and a slower growth rate during the cooler seasons. The shrub can live for many years, with some individuals persisting for decades if conditions allow.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Ericaceous plant commonly known as Heather, specifically the Erica × veitchii 'Exeter', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is typically done during late summer or early autumn. To propagate by cuttings, gardeners select healthy, semi-hardwood stems from the current year's growth. These stems should be cut into lengths of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) and stripped of leaves from the lower half. After preparing the cuttings, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and then insert them into a mix of peat and perlite, or a similar free-draining propagation medium. The cuttings must be kept under high humidity conditions and out of direct sunlight until roots have developed sufficiently, which generally takes a few weeks to a couple of months.
