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Erica cerinthoides
Hairy Heaths
These South African members of the Erica family derive their common name from the hairs that cover the small leaves and flowers.Fine sticky hairs cover the flowers.It is common to find tiny insects caught in these hairs.
Erica cerinthoides is a very showy and long lasting smaller growing shrub.In its natural habitat in the Cape Province fire regulary cuts plants back to the ground but they quickly regrow from underground tuberous roots.Because of this regenerative capability Erica cerinthoides can be hard cut back to retain their bushy growth habit.
Individual flower tubes are massed in pendant clusters at the end of the slender stems. The species bears glowing orange red flowers while Erica c. Pink Ice is a variant with salmon pink and white flowers.The slender stems are great for picking and the flowers have a long vase life.
South African Ericas grow best with perfect drainage and full sun.They are ideal growing on the coast where Proteas,Leucadendrons and Leucospermums thrive. The hairy Heath is tolerant of medium sized frosts. Cut back by at least a third after flowering. This Erica is a good choice as a container plant. Just remember to pot into a potting mix with a low phosphate fertiliser content. Small nectar feeding birds such as Wax-eyes enjoy sipping nectar from the flowers. Grows 1m high by 1m wide.
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