Winter Heath Erica carnea 'Weisse March Seedling'
ABOUT
Erica carnea 'Weisse March Seedling', more commonly known as Winter Heath, is a striking evergreen variety celebrated for its visual appeal throughout the colder months. The plant's distinguishing feature is its profusion of bell-shaped flowers that are pure white, bringing a vivid brightness to the garden when few other plants are in bloom. The blooms of Winter Heath cover the plant so densely that they can often hide the foliage beneath. The foliage itself is also attractive, composed of needle-like leaves that create a fine texture. These leaves are typically a dark green or sometimes boasting a bronze-green hue, which contrasts beautifully against the snowy white flowers. The fine, needle-like foliage gives the plant a soft, almost feathery appearance. Winter Heath's growth habit is low and mounded, creating a carpet of color that seamlessly blends with other plants in the landscape or provides a solo splash of winter color when used as a ground cover. Its evergreen nature ensures that it retains visual interest throughout the year, while the winter flowers are an important source of color during the often dreary winter months. As an additional note, Erica carnea cultivars are prized for their hardiness and ability to thrive in less than ideal conditions, often being one of the first plants to bloom in the year, signaling the impending arrival of spring. The Weisse March Seedling variety, with its white blossoms, is a particularly beloved choice for gardeners looking to brighten their winter beds and borders.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Winter Heath, Spring Heath, Alpine Heath.
Common names
Erica carnea 'Weisse March Seedling'.
ToxicityTo humans
Winter heath is not typically known for being a toxic plant to humans. However, as with many plants, it is not intended for consumption. If someone were to ingest a significant amount of winter heath, they might experience gastrointestinal discomfort or more severe reactions, depending on individual sensitivity or allergic reactions. Nevertheless, there is no widely recognized severe toxicity in humans for this particular species of Erica carnea.
To pets
Winter heath is not commonly listed among plants that are toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. It should be noted, however, that animals may have different reactions to plants than humans, and ingestion of any non-food plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset. If a pet were to ingest a large amount of winter heath, they could experience vomiting or diarrhea. If any signs of illness occur after a pet has ingested this plant, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Winter Bloom: The plant is known for its ability to bloom in winter, adding color to otherwise bleak gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance for drought, making it suitable for dry climates or water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This cultivar requires minimal upkeep, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for covering the ground and suppressing weeds.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Cold Hardy: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it a suitable choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in rock gardens, borders, or as part of mixed plantings, offering versatile use in landscaping.
- Evergreen Foliage: The foliage remains green throughout the year, providing constant visual interest and garden structure.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: The blossoms of the Winter Heath can be used to add a splash of winter color to bouquets and floral decorations.
- Evergreen Groundcover: Due to its low-growing habit, Winter Heath works well as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and covering bare soil.
- Bonsai Specimen: With proper care, this plant can be trained into a bonsai form, resulting in a miniature representation of its natural shape.
- Wildlife Garden: The plant provides shelter and habitat for various small insects during winter when resources are scarce.
- Photography Backdrop: The vibrant blooms make an excellent contrast in garden photography, especially in the snow.
- Erosion Control: Winter Heath's dense growth habit can help stabilize sloping ground and prevent soil erosion.
- Dried Crafts: The flowers and foliage of Winter Heath can be dried and used to create long-lasting wreaths and other decorative items.
- Education and Research: It can serve as a plant model for botanical studies about winter-blooming species and climate adaptation.
- Culinary Garnish: While not common, the flowers can occasionally be used as a non-toxic garnish for dishes and desserts to add a burst of color.
- Container Gardening: The compact size and vibrant color make Winter Heath well-suited for brightening up balconies and patios when grown in pots.
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: Commonly known as Winter Heath or Heather, Erica carnea 'Weisse March Seedling' flowers in the cold winter months, representing the ability to endure and persevere through challenging conditions.
- Protection: Heather has been traditionally used as a bedding material and symbolizes protection as it was believed to guard against negative energies and offer safety.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, heather is considered a lucky plant, and having it in your garden, or giving it to someone else, is thought to bring good fortune and prosperity.
- Admiration: Because of its resilience and beauty, heather is often associated with admiration for the strength and grace that it maintains even in harsh environments.
- Solitude: As heather is commonly found growing alone in the wild, it can symbolize solitude or the enjoyment of one's own company.
WaterWinter heath should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, but it's important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In the first growing season, water the plant approximately once a week with about 1 gallon of water, ensuring you achieve soil saturation. Once established, winter heath is relatively drought-tolerant and usually requires less frequent watering, depending on the climate and weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, it may need watering every other week, while in cooler, moist conditions, watering can be reduced further. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and the dampness of the soil around the plant.
LightWinter heath thrives in full sun to partial shade and should be placed in a location where it can receive at least four hours of sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is one that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates to protect it from the intense midday sun. However, it can tolerate full sun exposure in cooler regions without issue.
TemperatureWinter heath, including the 'Weisse Märch Seedling', prefers cooler climates and can typically survive in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit but may be damaged or killed below this threshold. This plant can endure maximum temperatures up to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal conditions would have temperatures consistently between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps promote healthy growth and flowering.
PruningWinter heath should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth, as well as to remove any dead or spent flowers. It is best to prune the plant immediately after flowering, which is typically in late spring, to give new growth time to mature before the next flowering season. Pruning once a year is sufficient, selectively cutting back the tips of the stems to just above a set of leaves.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinter Heath flourishes best in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. A suitable soil mix can be made from equal parts of peat, loam, and sharp sand to promote good drainage and replicate its natural heathland environment.
RepottingWinter Heath typically requires repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingWinter Heath prefers moderate humidity; however, it tolerates a range of humidity levels as long as proper soil moisture is maintained and it is not in a stagnant, overly humid environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Winter Heath in bright light, cool temperatures, and use acidic soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained acidic soil, full sun to part shade, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Erica carnea 'Weisse March Seedling', commonly known as "Springwood White" heath, begins with germination, which occurs when environmental conditions are favorable, usually in well-drained, acidic soil. Following germination, the seedling grows through a juvenile phase, where it focuses on root and foliage development. This winter-flowering heath then enters its vegetative stage, with dense, needle-like leaves and a mat-forming habit, becoming an evergreen shrub. As it matures, typically in the late winter to early spring, it produces clusters of small, white, urn-shaped flowers, pollinated by insects, which help ensure genetic diversity through seed production. After the blooming period, the plant sets seed, which disperses into the surrounding environment, completing the reproductive cycle. Erica carnea 'Weisse March Seedling' continues to grow and will repeat its blooming cycle annually for several years, often living for a considerable period if conditions are suitable.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagation for Erica carnea 'Weisse March Seedling', commonly known as Winter Heath, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This should ideally be done in late summer when the plant's growth has begun to slow and the stems are partially matured but still flexible. To propagate, select healthy, disease-free stems and cut a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) length, ensuring each cutting has a few leaves. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can increase the chances of successful rooting. The cuttings should then be inserted into a well-draining potting mix, with the lower leaves removed to prevent rot. The pot should be kept in a warm location with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag or placed under a propagation dome to maintain humidity until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Regular monitoring for moisture is important, as the cuttings should not dry out nor be waterlogged.
