Winter Heath Erica carnea 'Rotes Juwel'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Rotes Juwel', a variety of winter heath, presents itself with a striking appearance. Its foliage is a deep green shade, providing a lush backdrop for the vibrant blossoms. The flowers of this plant are particularly noteworthy, with their rich crimson to deep pink color, which can add a splash of brightness to any garden space. The blossoms densely cover the plant, typically emerging in late winter to early spring, which offers a cheerful contrast to the more subdued tones of the season. In addition to the colorful blooms, the leaves of this winter heath variety are needle-like, and they hold onto the plant throughout the year, offering a constant display of greenery. The overall form of the plant is compact and mounded, which makes it an excellent choice for ground cover or for adding structure to rockeries and border fronts. This plant's evergreen nature means it will keep its foliage throughout the year, providing interest even when the flowers have faded.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Winter Heather, Snow Heather, Spring Heath, Winter Flowering Heather, Alpine Heath.
Common names
Erica carnea 'Rotes Juwel'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Winter Heath is not widely recognized as toxic to humans. However, it’s always best practice to avoid ingesting plants that are not typically consumed as food, as they may cause unintended reactions or be poisonous. If you believe someone has ingested Winter Heath and is showing adverse symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
To pets
Winter Heath is not known to be highly toxic to pets, but as with any non-food plant, it is not recommended for animals to consume it. If your pet does ingest Winter Heath, keep an eye out for any signs of distress or unusual behavior, and contact your veterinarian if any symptoms arise. Mild gastrointestinal upset could potentially occur if a pet eats a large quantity of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Winter Blooming: Erica carnea 'Rotes Juwel', commonly known as Winter Heath, blooms in late winter to early spring, adding color to the garden during a time when few other plants flower.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, the plant is quite drought tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with less water available.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Winter Heath attract bees and other pollinating insects, which are vital for the ecosystem and garden health.
- Ground Cover: With its dense, mat-forming habit, it provides excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and stabilize soil.
- Evergreen Foliage: Winter Heath is an evergreen, providing year-round greenery and texture in the garden even when not in bloom.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Deer Resistant: It is known to be deer resistant, which is beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem for gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wintergreen's dried foliage can be used in potpourri for a subtly fragrant and decorative addition to your home.
- Wintergreen can be planted over spring bulbs to obscure the dying foliage of the bulbs as they retreat into dormancy.
- The evergreen characteristics of Wintergreen make it suitable for festive Christmas decorations, such as wreaths and table centerpieces.
- Wintergreen can be used in terrariums or fairy gardens, where its small size and density provide ideal coverage and create a miniature landscape.
- When planted in groups, Wintergreen can act as a natural mulch, reducing water evaporation and limiting weed growth due to its mat-forming quality.
- The dense habit of Wintergreen can be used to stabilize soil on gentle slopes, helping to prevent erosion.
- Wintergreen's vibrant winter and early spring flowers provide a valuable source of nectar for early-foraging bees when other food sources are scarce.
- Used as a border, Wintergreen creates a defined edge for garden paths and beds, providing structure to the garden throughout the year.
- Wintergreen can be used in sensory gardens due to its texture; the soft foliage provides a pleasing tactile experience.
- Bonsai enthusiasts may use Erica carnea 'Rotes Juwel', albeit less commonly, for creating miniature tree landscapes due to its small leaves and woody stems.
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, is often associated with the ability to endure challenging conditions, as it blooms in the coldest months, bringing color to winter landscapes.
- Protection: Winter Heath is considered to symbolize protection due to its evergreen nature, providing shelter to wildlife during harsh weather and thus representing a safe haven.
- Beauty & Admiration: The 'Rotes Juwel' variety, with its striking red flowers, is commonly tied to beauty and admiration, celebrating the natural splendor that persists even in the harshest conditions.
- Loneliness or Solitude: Due to its ability to thrive in cold, isolated areas, Winter Heath can also be a symbol of solitude or loneliness, standing alone against the elements.
- Strength in Adversity: As a plant that emerges vibrantly while the rest of the environment remains dormant, Winter Heath can represent strength and the courage to face adversity without faltering.
WaterWinter heath, also known as Erica carnea 'Rotes Juwel', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, this may mean watering once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions. Ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. In general, providing about one gallon of water per plant during each watering session should suffice, but always adjust based on weather and soil conditions. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency, as the plant requires less water when dormant.
LightWinter heath thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives several hours of morning sun followed by light shade in the afternoon, especially in hotter climates. This ensures that the delicate foliage does not get scorched by the intense midday sun while still providing the light needed for healthy growth and flower production.
TemperatureWinter heath is hardy and can withstand cold climates, typically surviving in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for growing winter heath is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s important to protect the plant from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant.
PruningPruning winter heath helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune immediately after flowering, which is usually in late winter to early spring, by lightly trimming the tips of the branches. This will remove spent flowers and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Pruning every year or every other year will ensure a compact and healthy plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinter Heath (Erica carnea 'Rotes Juwel') thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with high organic content. A mix of equal parts peat, sand, and loam creates an ideal environment. The soil pH should be acidic, ideally between 4.5 and 5.5, to ensure the plant's health and vibrant coloration.
RepottingWinter Heath should not need frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Depending on its growth rate, you might consider repotting every 3 to 4 years, preferably in the spring just before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingWinter Heath enjoys moderate humidity but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier air found in most home environments. It does not have specific high humidity requirements, making it a resilient choice for various indoor scenarios.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Winter Heath in bright, indirect light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in acidic soil, partial sun to full sun, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Winter Heath 'Rotes Juwel' begins with germination, where the plant emerges from seed in suitable soil and climate conditions. This is followed by the vegetative stage, where the young plant grows leaves and stems, building a woody base characteristic of this evergreen shrub. As it matures, Winter Heath enters the flowering stage, usually from late winter to early spring, producing vibrant red-pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the plant develops seed capsules which eventually release seeds to begin a new generation. The plant then goes into a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, where growth slows or ceases during adverse conditions such as winter frost. Throughout its lifetime, Winter Heath will periodically undergo pruning either naturally or by human intervention to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Winter Heath, specifically the 'Rotes Juwel' variety, is by semi-hardwood cuttings. Typically, the best time to take these cuttings is in late summer after the new growth has partially matured and hardened. Cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) long stem with several leaves, ideally taken from non-flowering shoots for better rooting potential. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to increase the chance of successful rooting. Plant the cuttings in a mix of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring the bottom two-thirds of the cutting is inserted into the medium. The cuttings should then be kept in a well-lit area out of direct sunlight and maintained in a humid environment, often covered with a plastic bag to help retain moisture. After a few weeks to months, when the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots and eventually into the garden.
