Erica ventricosa forms a well-branched erect shrub between 0.5 and 1.0m in height, with numerous stout upright branches, densely clothed with small, narrow, pointed, dark green, shiny, typically ericoid leaves.It produces spectacular displays of pink flowers during summer. They begin as deep, rose pink buds, in dense clusters at the tips of the branches.
Italian Heather Care
Erica Ventricosa
What is the plant
humidity
Normal
lighting
Part sun and part shade
temperature
-3°C - 7°C
hardiness zone
4 - 8
difficulty
Medium
hibernation
Cold Period
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Consistently moist but not soggy conditions are ideal for Italian heather. It does not tolerate dryness well, but soggy soil or standing water is fatal to the plant.
Pruning
Italian heather does not need much pruning maintenance. After it flowers, periodically shear off the branch ends with faded flowers to encourage a new flush of bloom and to keep plants looking tidy. Take care not to cut the plants back too severely, because branches might not regrow if cut back to bare wood. The Heather Society recommends pruning Italian heather in June.
Fertilizer
Applying humus or compost annually is usually sufficient fertilizing, but use an acidic fertilizer if the heather looks like you need to encourage flowering and good growth.
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Sunlight
Full sun, partial shade.
Soil
Perform well in most types of soil.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures should be approximately 65-75ºF + (18-24ºC +), closer to 70ºF is best.
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Container
The plants do well in a container filled with a potting mix that drains quickly.
Popularity
35 people already have this plant 8 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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