Tree Heath Erica arborea 'Estrella Gold'
ABOUT
The plant known as Estrella Gold is a visually striking variety with bright golden-yellow foliage that particularly stands out in the spring. As the seasons change, the leaves mature into a lush, yellow-green hue, providing a year-round interest. The foliage has a fine, needle-like texture that creates a soft, feathery appearance. This plant occasionally produces small, bell-shaped white flowers that add a delicate contrast against the vibrant foliage. The flowers are often clustered toward the ends of the branches, adding a touch of elegance to the overall appearance of the plant. The plant's structure is somewhat upright with a bushy growth habit, displaying a dense mass of twigs that form a rounded and mounded shape. It offers an attractive presence in any garden setting, often used for its bright color and fine texture, which can provide a lovely contrast when planted among other garden shrubs and perennials.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Estrella Gold Tree Heath, Golden Tree Heath.
Common names
Erica arborea 'Estrella Gold'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Erica arborea 'Estrella Gold' is tree heath. Tree heath is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingestion, as individual sensitivities or allergic reactions can occur.
To pets
Tree heath is also not known to be particularly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While it does not contain known toxins that are harmful to pets, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from consuming plants as they can cause gastrointestinal upset or other issues due to digestive sensitivity. If a pet does ingest tree heath and shows any signs of illness, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Estrella Gold' adds year-round visual interest to gardens with its bright golden-yellow foliage and shrubby form.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering and maintenance.
- Suitable for Containers: Its manageable size makes it ideal for planting in containers, which allows for versatility in garden design and placement.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of 'Estrella Gold' can attract pollinators, such as bees, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Evergreen Nature: As an evergreen plant, it retains its leaves throughout the seasons, providing continuous greenery.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is less palatable to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas where deer browsing is a concern.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining, acidic soil.
- Cold Tolerant: 'Estrella Gold' can tolerate cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in various climates.
- Low Pruning Needs: It usually requires little pruning, saving time and effort in garden maintenance.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes and banks.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft Material: The wood of the tree heath can be used for crafting small decorative objects such as jewelry or intricate boxes due to its dense and fine-grained nature.
- Bonsai Creation: Tree heath is suitable for bonsai due to its small leaves and the ability for its wood to be artfully shaped and trained over time.
- Garden Structure: With its bright foliage, tree heath can be shaped to create structural elements in a garden, like low hedges or borders.
- Erosion Control: The plant can be used in landscaping to help control erosion on slopes due to its dense root system.
- Wind Barrier: By planting tree heath in rows or clusters, they can act as a natural windbreak, protecting more delicate plants.
- Fragrance Source: While not commonly known for it, the tree heath can offer a mild resinous scent which can add a subtle fragrance to a garden or outdoor space.
- Instrument Wood: The wood from the tree heath is traditionally used to make the bowls of briar wood pipes due to its heat-resistant properties.
- Photography Prop: The bright golden foliage of 'Estrella Gold' can provide a striking background for close-up photography of insects and other plants.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists can use the vivid colors and shapes of tree heath as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and fabric designs.
- Dye Source: Historically, parts of the plant may have been used for dying wool or fabric, although it is not a common practice today.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tree Heath is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tree Heath is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Regeneration and Renewal: The Erica arborea, commonly known as the tree heath, is a plant that’s often associated with renewal due to its ability to regenerate after fires, symbolizing the idea of coming back stronger after adversity.
- Protection: Tree heath has been believed to offer protection. In folklore, it was said to guard against negative influences and to be an ally in safeguarding one's well-being.
- Purification: With its evergreen nature and association with growth, it is considered to symbolize purification, cleansing, and the removal of negative energy.
- Good luck: In some cultures, the Erica arborea is carried or planted around the home for good luck and to ensure a positive atmosphere.
- Beauty and Admiration: The variety 'Estrella Gold' with its golden tipped leaves brings an association with beauty and admiration, symbolizing a sense of appreciation for natural aesthetics.
WaterTree Heath should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during its growing season in the spring and summer. It typically requires watering once a week but may need more frequent watering during periods of extreme heat or if planted in well-draining soil. When watering, provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water to ensure adequate hydration of the root system. During the fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week, adjusting as necessary to prevent waterlogging, which Tree Heath is particularly sensitive to.
LightTree Heath prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives best when it receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. Place it in a spot where it can enjoy morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
TemperatureTree Heath is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from 25°F to 75°F. It prefers cooler climates and does not do well in high heat. Ideally, maintain a temperature between 60°F and 70°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate brief periods of colder temperatures down to 20°F, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold or frost can damage the plant.
PruningTree Heath should be pruned to maintain its desired shape and to remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune lightly in the early spring before new growth starts. This encourages bushier growth and allows you to shape the plant, but avoid heavy pruning as it can be detrimental. The best time for pruning Tree Heath is immediately after it has finished flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Tree Heath 'Estrella Gold' prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. A mix containing peat, coarse sand, and pine bark is ideal for this plant, providing good aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingTree Heath 'Estrella Gold' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, ideally in the spring before new growth begins to ensure the roots have room to expand and the soil remains nutritious.
Humidity & MistingTree Heath 'Estrella Gold' thrives in moderate humidity but can tolerate higher levels. It is best to maintain humidity around 40-60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Tree Heath in bright light, away from drafts, and maintain humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained acidic soil; position in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Tree Heather 'Estrella Gold' begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in well-drained soil with sufficient moisture. Following germination, the seedling emerges and establishes a root system, developing into a young plant, which over the years forms a woody stem and branches. The plant then enters a vegetative stage where it produces dense foliage, characterized by small, gold-edged leaves, and gradually grows to its mature height of up to 2 meters. During spring, Tree Heather 'Estrella Gold' enters its reproductive phase, blooming with clusters of small, bell-shaped, white to pale pink flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce capsules containing seeds, which are eventually dispersed, starting a new generation of plants. The plant is perennial, meaning it will continue to live and go through multiple flowering and seeding cycles throughout its lifetime.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Tree Heath 'Estrella Gold' is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This popular method involves taking cuttings from the current season’s growth once it has begun to mature and harden, typically in late summer to early autumn. Cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length of stem, making sure there are several sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept under high humidity with moderate light and temperature until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this rooting period to prevent rot.
