Winter Heath Erica carnea f. aureifolia 'Foxhollow'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Foxhollow' is a variety of winter heath characterized by its unique foliage and flowers. This particular variety stands out with its striking golden foliage, which brings brightness to the garden even on the dreariest winter days. During the colder months, the leaves often take on a bronzy or orange tint, further adding to its visual appeal. When it comes to flowers, 'Foxhollow' does not disappoint. From late winter into early spring, it becomes adorned with delicate bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms may range in color from a rosy pink to a pale lavender, and they contrast beautifully with the vibrant golden leaves. The plant creates a carpet of color and maintains a neat, compact form that is covered in these dainty flowers. Overall, 'Foxhollow' is celebrated for its alluring foliage and profuse flowering, which add a splash of warmth and color to the garden when many other plants are dormant. Its evergreen nature means that it retains its foliage throughout the year, making it a valuable component in creating year-round interest in landscaping designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Winter Heath, Spring Heath, Alpine Heath.
Common names
Erica carnea f. aureifolia 'Foxhollow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Winter heath generally is not considered toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxic effects from ingesting or handling this plant. As with any plant, if it were ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause stomach discomfort, but this is not common.
To pets
Winter heath is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the commonly recognized poisonous plants for dogs, cats, or other pets. If ingested in large quantities, a pet might experience some gastrointestinal upset, but there is no significant toxicity associated with this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
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- Year-Round Interest: Erica carnea 'Foxhollow', commonly known as Winter Heath, provides garden interest throughout the year with its evergreen foliage and winter flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering once it's established.
- Cold Hardy: Winter Heath is able to withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates and providing color in the winter landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinating insects during the late winter and early spring when few other food sources are available.
- Ground Cover: Its low, spreading habit makes it an effective ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
- Landscape Versatility: The plant can be used in rock gardens, borders, containers, and as underplanting for larger shrubs, offering great versatility in garden design.
- Deer Resistance: Winter Heath is typically resistant to deer, which makes it suitable for gardens in areas where deer are a problem.
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 'Foxhollow', commonly known as winter heath, can brighten up a winter landscape with its foliage that turns bronze-gold in cold weather.
- Ground Cover - Winter heath is an effective ground cover, spreading to fill in spaces and suppress weeds with its dense foliage.
- Rock Gardens - This plant is well-suited for rock gardens, adding year-round color and texture to these specialized landscapes.
- Containers - It thrives in containers and pots, where it can be a standout feature due to its foliage and flowers.
- Wildlife Gardens - The winter heath can be planted in wildlife gardens to attract bees and other pollinators during its blooming season in late winter and early spring.
- Floral Arrangements - Its stems and flowers can be used in floral arrangements as a filler to add a splash of color.
- Erosion Control - On sloped areas, winter heath's dense growth can help prevent soil erosion.
- Miniature Gardens - Due to its compact size, it is perfect for use in fairy gardens or other miniature garden projects.
- Border Edging - Winter heath can serve as a colorful edging for paths and garden borders.
- Winter Garden Theme - It can be used to create a winter-themed garden area when paired with other plants that are known for their winter interest.
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- Endurance: Erica, commonly known as heath or heather, is renowned for its ability to withstand tough environmental conditions, symbolizing perseverance and resilience.
- Protection: In some traditions, heather is believed to possess protective qualities, often used to ward off negative influences and bring safety.
- Good Fortune: Heather is also associated with good luck, and is sometimes carried as a charm to attract positive outcomes and prosperity.
- Solitude: Given its natural habitat in desolate heathlands, heather can represent a preference for solitude or the enjoyment of one's own company.
- Admiration: In the language of flowers, heather is often used to signify admiration, making it a suitable gift when you wish to show respect or fondness for someone.
- New Beginnings: The blooming of heather, especially in harsh conditions, can signify the start of something new or the renewal of life and hope.
WaterWinter heath 'Foxhollow' should be watered deeply, allowing the water to reach the root zone, approximately every week during its active growing season, especially in the absence of rainfall. During the dormant season, you can reduce watering to every two to three weeks, depending on the climate and soil moisture. It's important to avoid water logging as these plants dislike having wet feet. Generally, aim to provide about one gallon of water per plant at each watering session, but always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightWinter heath 'Foxhollow' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, plant it in a spot where it can receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can reduce the density of its foliage and the profusion of its blooms.
TemperatureWinter heath 'Foxhollow' is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate climates. The ideal growing temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also survive heat up to around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as long as it's not too humid and it has adequate water.
PruningWinter heath 'Foxhollow' benefits from light pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune immediately after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape the plant. This is typically in late spring. Doing so annually will help promote the next season's growth and flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinter heath prefers well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic material. A mix of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil in equal parts works best, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 to thrive.
RepottingWinter heath typically does not need frequent repotting; do it every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingWinter heath more commonly known as the winter heath, thrives in moderate humidity but can tolerate drier air typical of temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and acidic soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, acidic soil, and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleErica carnea, commonly known as winter heath or spring heath, starts its life cycle as seeds that germinate in well-drained, acidic soil with ample sunlight. After germination, it enters a vegetative state characterized by the development of needle-like leaves and a woody stem structure. The plant matures and begins its reproductive cycle usually in its second or third year, producing pink to white bell-shaped flowers from late winter to early spring. Following pollination, usually by bees or other insects, the flowers develop into small capsule-like fruits that release seeds, completing the cycle. Under optimal conditions, Erica carnea can spread and form dense mats of evergreen foliage, sometimes living for several decades. Seasonal changes influence leaf coloration, especially in cultivars like 'Foxhollow', which may exhibit golden foliage in spring and summer that darkens to bronze in fall and winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Erica carnea f. aureifolia 'Foxhollow', commonly known as Winter Heath 'Foxhollow', is most frequently propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is typically done during late summer. To propagate, you would cut a 2- to 3-inch (5 to 7.5 cm) portion of semi-hardwood stem that has no flowers. Strip the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and insert it into a mix of peat and perlite. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment with plenty of indirect light. In a few weeks, rooting will begin, and the new plant can gradually be acclimatized to less humid conditions before finally being transplanted outside after the risk of frost has passed.
