Winter Heath Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby'
ABOUT
Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby', often known as the Winter Heath or Spring Heath, is a charming evergreen shrub revered for its abundant floral display and attractive foliage. This variety presents a low-growing and spreading habit, with fine needle-like leaves that create a dense, rich-green backdrop throughout the year. During its blooming period, 'Myretoun Ruby' is adorned with profuse ruby-red flowers that add a splash of vivid color to the garden landscape. These bell-shaped blossoms cluster together, creating a striking contrast against the darker green foliage. The appearance of Winter Heath is particularly appreciated in winter and early spring when its stunning blooms bring life and color to otherwise dormant surroundings. The texture of its leaves coupled with the jewel-like quality of its flowers make Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby' a visually appealing choice for ground cover, rock gardens, and borders that seek year-round visual interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Winter Heath, Spring Heath, Alpine Heath.
Common names
Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby'.
ToxicityTo humans
Winter heath is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant literature that suggests Winter heath is poisonous or would cause any symptoms of poisoning if ingested. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could possibly cause mild stomach upset or dermatitis in susceptible individuals, but as a rule, this plant is not known to be a problem for human health.
To pets
Winter heath is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It does not appear on the common lists of plants that are poisonous to animals such as cats and dogs. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, so it's always best to prevent your pets from chewing on plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Ruby
Height
1 feet (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Winter Interest: Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby', also known as winter heath, provides color in the garden during the winter months when most other plants are dormant.
- Ground Cover: This plant forms a low, mat-like growth which can help prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, winter heath has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of winter heath attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Winter heath requires minimal pruning and care, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscapes.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is known to be deer resistant, which makes it suitable for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Tolerance of Poor Soils: Winter heath can thrive in poor soil conditions, including acidic and sandy soils, which might be challenging for other plants.
- Adaptable to Containers: It is well-suited for container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its beauty.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant boasts a long blooming period from late winter to early spring, providing a long-lasting display of color.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fauna Shelter: Winter Heath (Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby') can provide safe haven and winter shelter for beneficial garden insects and small fauna such as frogs, toads, and small mammals.
- Crafting Dyes: The flowers of Winter Heath can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics or other craft materials, offering hues ranging from light pinks to deep rubies.
- Photography Subject: The vibrant colors of Winter Heath make it an ideal subject for garden photographers, especially during the winter months when color is scarce.
- Educational Tool: Winter Heath can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant adaptation, especially how some species thrive in colder temperatures.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly used for consumption, the flowers can be used as a non-toxic decorative garnish for dishes in high-end culinary presentations.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the striking appearance of Winter Heath as inspiration for paintings, drawings, or fabric designs.
- Landscape Contrast: With its deep ruby flowers, Winter Heath can be used to provide a stark contrast in snowy landscapes, enhancing the visual appeal of winter gardens.
- Bonsai Culture: Though not traditional, Winter Heath can be cultivated in miniature form for bonsai, creating a unique winter-flowering bonsai specimen.
- Watercolor Extracts: The pigments from Winter Heath flowers can be used to create watercolor paints for artists seeking natural pigments.
- Sensory Gardens: Planted in sensory gardens, Winter Heath's texture and color can provide visual and tactile interest for visitors, especially those with visual impairments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWinter heath is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWinter heath is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Erica carnea, commonly known as winter heath or spring heath, blooms in the cold winter months, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive even in harsh conditions.
- Protection: With its evergreen foliage, this plant has been historically used in bedding to provide shelter, representing a symbol of protection against adversity.
- Isolation: Since it is capable of growing in poor soils and isolated areas, winter heath can signify solitude or self-reliance.
- New Beginnings: Blooming when few other plants do, it can represent new beginnings or hope, as it brings color back into the garden during the bleak winter months.
- Solitude: Given its preference for growing in quiet, undisturbed areas, winter heath may also represent the beauty and peace found in solitude.
WaterWinter Heath, also known as Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby', requires consistent moisture, and it's best to water it deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the temperature and humidity, this could be once or twice a week, and it's significant to avoid letting the plant dry out completely. Use lukewide gallons, enough to soak the root area. During the growing season, which is typically spring through fall, expect to water more frequently than during the colder, dormant winter months where watering might be reduced to just once every couple of weeks.
LightWinter Heath thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this low-growing shrub is an area that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, which brings out the best flower color and densest growth. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching of the foliage.
TemperatureWinter Heath is hardy and adapts well to various temperature conditions, tolerating a range from 10 degrees to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can survive occasional dips below 10 degrees, frost protection may be needed in extremely cold climates. The ideal temperature range for this plant to thrive is between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, where it can maintain healthy growth and abundant flowering.
PruningPrune Winter Heath to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, which is usually in late spring. Trimming the plant annually promotes a compact and bushy habit and helps prevent the center from becoming woody. It's not necessary to prune heavily; a light trim will suffice.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinter Heath 'Myretoun Ruby' thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5-5.5. A soil mix incorporating equal parts of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil will create an ideal environment for its roots. Regularly check soil moisture, ensuring it remains slightly moist but not waterlogged.
RepottingWinter Heath 'Myretoun Ruby' typically requires repotting every two to three years. It is best to repot in the spring just before the new growth begins, using a pot only slightly larger than its current size to prevent overwatering issues.
Humidity & MistingWinter Heath 'Myretoun Ruby' is accustomed to moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typical of most homes. Avoid placing it in overly dry conditions which can be mitigated by grouping with other plants or using a humidity tray.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Winter Heath in bright, indirect light and maintain cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in acidic soil, full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleErica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby', commonly known as Winter Heath, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically in spring, in well-drained, acidic soil. Seedlings emerge and develop into a compact evergreen shrub, focusing on vegetative growth to establish a root system and foliage cover. The plant enters a maturation phase where it begins to flower, usually in the winter to early spring, showcasing its prominent red to deep pink blooms. Following pollination by insects, the flowers produce seeds that spread to propagate new plants. Winter Heath has a perennial life cycle, maintaining its foliage year-round and going through repeated seasonal flowering and seed-set phases. As the plant ages, it may become woody and require pruning to rejuvenate and encourage new growth for future blooming cycles.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagating the Winter Heath 'Myretoun Ruby' is by semi-ripe cuttings. This typically takes place in late summer. To do this, a gardener selects healthy, semi-ripe shoots from the current year's growth. These are sections where the base of the cutting is hard, but the tip is still soft and flexible. Cuttings should be about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) long with excess leaves removed from the lower half. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can increase success rates, and then the cutting is inserted into a well-draining potting mix. To create a humid environment for the cuttings, the container can be covered with a clear plastic bag or placed in a propagator until roots develop.
