Heather 'Ruby Glow' Erica carnea 'Ruby Glow'

Water

The Winter Heath 'Ruby Glow' prefers evenly moist soil, so it's important to maintain consistent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water each time for an average-sized plant in moderate climates. During hot, dry weather, you may need to water twice a week to maintain moisture, especially if the plant is in well-draining soil. In winter, reduce watering, but don't allow the soil to become completely dry, particularly if planted in areas with less rain. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering, as Winter Heath does not tolerate soggy soil.

Light

Winter Heath 'Ruby Glow' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would offer morning sunlight with some afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day. Avoid deep shade, as it can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth. In regions with intense midday sun, provide some shelter to prevent the foliage from getting scorched.

Temperature

Winter Heath 'Ruby Glow' is hardy and can handle a range of temperatures. This plant is adapted to survive cold winters and can endure temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it flourishes in milder conditions with ideal temperatures ranging between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 75 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, especially if it is not given adequate shade and moisture.

Pruning

Prune Winter Heath 'Ruby Glow' immediately after flowering to maintain shape and promote bushier growth. Trim back the flowered stems, being careful not to cut into old wood that does not regenerate easily. Pruning is typically done annually, and the best time for this is in late spring, allowing the plant to set buds for the next season’s bloom.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Winter heath 'Ruby Glow' prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A mix of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil is ideal for creating the right conditions for this plant. Mulching with pine needles can help maintain the soil acidity and structure.

Repotting

Winter heath 'Ruby Glow' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes pot-bound. Early spring is the best time for repotting, as the plant is coming out of its winter dormancy and before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Winter heath 'Ruby Glow' does well in moderate humidity levels, with no special humidity requirements. It can tolerate the natural humidity found in most outdoor environments without the need for additional measures.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with cool temps.

• Outdoor

  Plant in acidic soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA.

Life cycle

The life of Erica carnea 'Ruby Glow', commonly known as Winter Heath or Winter Flowering Heather, begins with germination from seeds in late spring, although propagation is more commonly done via cuttings to maintain the cultivar traits. Once established, the juvenile plant enters a vegetative growth phase where it develops its evergreen foliage and root system. As the plant matures, usually within a year, it reaches the flowering stage in late winter to early spring, displaying deep ruby flowers. After pollination by insects, primarily bees, the flowers produce small capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. During the senescence stage, older plants may become woody and less vigorous but can often live for many years with proper care. Seasonal pruning after flowering helps maintain the plant’s compact shape and encourages new growth for the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to autumn

• Propogation: For Erica carnea 'Ruby Glow', commonly known as winter heath, the most popular method of propagation is through semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer. To propagate, choose a healthy non-flowering shoot and cut a segment approximately 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long. The bottom leaves are stripped off, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root development. The cutting is then planted in a mix of sand and peat or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leafless part of the stem is buried. The cutting should be placed in a shaded area and kept moist until roots develop; this usually takes several weeks. After rooting, the new plant can be potted up or directly planted in the garden.