Heather, commonly called Scotch heather or ling, is a small, woody shrub with prolific pink-purple flowers that bloom from midsummer to early fall. This colorful option is perennial in cooler areas, grows best in full sunlight, and can tolerate a variety of soils, as long as they are well-draining.
Mediterranean pink heather (Erica x darleyensis ‘Mediterranean Pink’) is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its year-round good looks. In late winter into early spring, this hardy heather explodes with hundreds of delicate pink blooms. But did you know with proper care, it can also flower intermittently throughout the summer?
In this guide, we’ll cover how to grow Mediterranean pink heather and provide tips for maximizing its summer blooms.
Overview of Mediterranean Pink Heather
Mediterranean pink heather is a low-growing, mounding shrub that typically reaches 6-12 inches tall and spreads 18-24 inches wide. The tiny needle-like leaves remain an attractive light green year-round.
During its early spring bloom period, this heather is completely cloaked with tiny bell-shaped flowers in a bright rosy pink shade. It puts on a spectacular floral display just as the landscape is shaking off winter’s chill.
This heather variety is considered semi-evergreen. While it never fully loses its foliage, the leaves may take on a bronzed or purple tinge in winter. As temperatures warm in spring, the new leaf growth resumes its fresh green coloring.
Getting Mediterranean Pink Heather to Rebloom in Summer
While Mediterranean pink heather blooms most abundantly in late winter into early spring it can be encouraged to flower a second time in summer with proper care. Here are some tips
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Prune lightly after spring flowering. Removing spent flower stems encourages new growth that may rebloom But be careful not to prune into older wood
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Provide plenty of sunlight. At least 4-6 hours of direct sun is ideal. Morning sun is preferable in hot climates.
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Water regularly before summer heat arrives. Establish deep watering habits in spring so plants don’t dry out when summer heat kicks in.
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Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Choose an acidic fertilizer formulated for ericaceous plants like azaleas. Don’t over-fertilize.
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Give some shade in peak summer if needed. In zones 7 or higher, provide afternoon shade to prevent stress from intense summer sun.
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Watch for pests. Aphids, mites, and thrips can weaken plants and inhibit flowering.
With attentive care focused on encouraging new growth and preventing summer stress, you can enjoy Mediterranean pink heather’s beautiful blooms into the summer months.
Growing Mediterranean Pink Heather
Here are some key growing tips for Mediterranean pink heather:
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Plant in spring or fall in well-drained, acidic soil. Heather prefers a pH between 4.5-6.0.
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Give it full sun to partial shade. At least 4-6 hours of direct sun is recommended.
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Space plants 18-24 inches apart for good air circulation.
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Water regularly the first year to establish deep roots. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant.
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Apply acidic fertilizer for ericaceous plants in early spring. Do not over-fertilize.
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Prune lightly after spring flowering to shape and remove spent blooms. Don’t prune into older wood.
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Mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and acidity. Pine needles or bark work well.
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Divide congested plants every 3-4 years in early spring if blooms decline.
Landscaping Uses
With its carpet of fine foliage and profusion of pink blooms, Mediterranean pink heather is ideal for:
- Mass plantings as an evergreen groundcover
- Rock gardens and alpine gardens
- Borders along pathways and driveways
- Accent plantings mixed with conifers
- Cascading over stone walls or terraces
- Containers paired with other ericaceous plants
For best results, plant in groupings so its plentiful blooms make a bold statement. Give this carefree and compact shrub a spot where you’ll enjoy its year-round elegance!
Overwintering Tips
To ensure Mediterranean pink heather successfully overwinters:
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Hold off on major pruning until spring when you can assess any dieback.
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Add a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base in late fall for insulation.
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Water occasionally during warm spells to prevent desiccation if rainfall is lacking.
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Cut back on watering once hard frosts commence to avoid new growth being damaged.
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Place evergreen boughs or straw over plants to protect from heavy snow accumulation.
Troubleshooting Problems
Leaves turning brown or purple
This can indicate too much sun exposure or insufficient watering. Provide some afternoon shade and ramp up watering frequency.
Few or no blooms
Encourage blooms by pruning immediately after the spring flowering period. Fertilize with acidic plant food in early spring.
Leaf spotting or discoloration
Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if fungus is severe.
Evidence of pests
Inspect for signs of aphids, mites, thrips which can inhibit flowering. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap treatment.
With proper planting and care focused on maximizing growth and minimizing stress, Mediterranean pink heather will reward you with its elegant beauty from late winter through summer!
Fertilizer
As long as heather has some organic matter or peat moss in its soil, it does not need additional nutrients. Heather prefers acidic soil; you can give an acidifying nitrogen fertilizer made especially for acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons once a year in early spring. If you are going to give fertilizer, provide no more than one pound per 100 square feet and no later than August 1. Added any later, it will spur growth during the winter when the plant should be dormant. Excessive fertilization tends to cause leggy, spindly branches.
How to Encourage More Blooms
To encourage heather to bloom, make sure the plant has well-draining acidic soil. Heather needs at least six hours of sun a day.
Mediterranean Pink Heather | #shorts
FAQ
What happens to heather in summer?
Calluna heathers flower in summer and autumn. These acid-loving species need a light, sandy but nutrient-rich soil, with a pH of 6.5 or less. Erica heathers typically flower in winter and spring (there are some summer-flowering species).
Does Mediterranean Pink Heather like sun or shade?
We suggest that your new Mediterranean Pink Heather is planted in full Sun and fertile, acidic, well-drained soil for the best growing results.
What does heather look like in the summer?
Calluna: Heather, Scotch Heather, Ling
Callunas have just a single species, Calluna vulgaris, but over 800 cultivated forms are in existence. Flowers: Small bell flowers during summer in colors ranging from white to pink to crimson.
How do you care for Mediterranean Pink Heather?
Mediterranean Pink Heather (Erica x darleyensis ‘Mediterranean Pink’) is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. It’s relatively low-maintenance, requiring occasional watering, especially when young, and a yearly application of slow-release fertilizer.
What does a Mediterranean pink heather look like?
Mediterranean pink heather is a low-growing, mounding shrub that typically reaches 6-12 inches tall and spreads 18-24 inches wide The tiny needle-like leaves remain an attractive light green year-round During its early spring bloom period, this heather explodes with hundreds of tiny bell-shaped flowers in a bright rosy pink shade.
When does Mediterranean pink heather bloom?
Mediterranean Pink heather (Erica x darleyensis ‘Mediterranean Pink’) adds a blush of color to winter gardens with its masses of rosy-pink flowers, which bloom from late autumn until spring.
Is Mediterranean pink heath evergreen?
Mediterranean Pink Heath is covered in stunning spikes of pink bell-shaped flowers rising above the foliage from late winter to mid spring. It has light green evergreen foliage. The tiny needles remain light green throughout the winter. Mediterranean Pink Heath is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form.
Does Mediterranean pink Heather grow well?
Mediterranean Pink heather works best when incorporated into rock gardens, low borders or in woodland gardens, although it will also grow well in containers and as a colorful, low-maintenance ground cover.
What is a Mediterranean Heather?
A: Two plants are called Mediterranean heather: Erica carnea , which grows in alpine areas, and Erica darleyensis, which has varieties named ‘Mediterranean Pink’ and ‘Mediterranean White’. I’ll bet that these are what you have. Strictly speaking, both species are heaths, not heathers.
When should I plant Mediterranean pink Heather?
Divide congested plants every 3-4 years in early spring if blooms decline. With its low spreading form and profusion of pink blooms, Mediterranean pink heather is ideal for: For best results, plant Mediterranean pink heather en masse so its plentiful blooms in spring and summer make a bold statement.