White Winter Heath Erica carnea f. alba 'Ice Princess'

Water

White Heath 'Ice Princess' prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important not to let the soil dry out completely. It should be watered thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate deep into the soil, promoting deep root growth. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice a week with about 1 gallon of water each time, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. In the hotter and drier months, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moisture. Reduce the amount of water in winter to prevent waterlogging, as the plant is less active and requires less moisture.

Light

White Heath 'Ice Princess' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It is ideal to place the plant where it will receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. An east or west-facing garden spot that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is perfect for the 'Ice Princess,' ensuring it gets enough light without being exposed to harsh midday sun.

Temperature

White Heath 'Ice Princess' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers cooler conditions rather than extreme heat. The plant's ideal temperature range for thriving is between 32 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the 'Ice Princess' from hot summer temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can stress the plant.

Pruning

White Heath 'Ice Princess' should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, usually in late spring. This allows the plant to develop new growth that will bear flowers the following season. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and trim back about a third of the older stems to promote fresh, healthy growth. Pruning once a year is typically sufficient for the 'Ice Princess'.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Winter Heath 'Ice Princess' thrives in well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5). The best soil mix is a combination of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil which ensures proper drainage and acidity. Adding organic matter like compost can further enrich the soil.

Repotting

Winter Heath 'Ice Princess' does not need frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring, using soil with the right acidity and drainage.

Humidity & Misting

Winter Heath 'Ice Princess' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It can tolerate the dry indoor air typical of heated homes during the winter, as it originates from a naturally low-humidity environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Winter Heath 'Ice Princess' in bright, indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, sheltered from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The 'Snow Heath' (Erica carnea f. alba 'Ice Princess') typically begins its life cycle with seed germination in spring, under suitable temperature and moisture conditions. It then enters the seedling stage, where it slowly establishes a root system and begins to produce its first leaves. As it matures into a young plant, 'Snow Heath' will develop a woody stem and a more pronounced leaf structure. During its adult phase, the plant produces prolific white flowers, often in late winter to early spring, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing numerous small seeds. 'Snow Heath' is an evergreen perennial and thus does not have a distinct senescence stage; it will continue to grow and bloom for many years, with older stems eventually dying back and being replaced by new growth from the base of the plant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Erica carnea f. alba 'Snow Heath' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is best done during the summer months when the plant's growth is active. To propagate, one must choose a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a piece around 2 to 4 inches long. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone for better success. Afterward, the cutting is placed in a mixture of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring good drainage and moisture retention. The cuttings should be kept in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the medium should be kept consistently moist. Roots typically develop within six to eight weeks, whereafter the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions.