Heath
(Erica sp.)
 
Cross-leaved
(E. tetralix)
 
Small, rose-colored flowers in 1- to 3-inch clusters appear in midsummer.  Leaves are hairy, gray, and needlelike.
 
Zone: 4
Light and Soil: Full sun.  Moist, well-drained, acid soil.
Height: 2'
 
Comments
Use in beds, borders, or rock gardens.  More cold-hardy than other varieties.  Mulch for best results.  Prune in early spring.
 

Darley
(E. x darleyensis)
 
Small, lilac-colored flowers appear in late fall and continue through spring.  Leaves are bright green and needlelike.
 
Zone: 6
Light and Soil: Full sun.  Moist, well-drained, acid soil.
Height: 2'
 
Comments
Use in beds, borders, and rock gardens.  Prune fading flower heads.  More vigorous than other species.  Mulch for best results.
 

Spring
(E. carnea)
 
Small, rose-colored flowers appear in small 1- to 3-inch clusters in early spring.  Other varieties are pink, red, and white.  Foliage is lustrous green and needlelike.
 
Zone: 6
Light and Soil: Full sun.  Moist, well-drained, acid soil.
Height: 1'
 
Comments
Use in beds, borders, and rock gardens.  Prune after flowers fade to encourage more vigorous growth.  Mulch for best results.
 

Twisted
(E. cinerea)
 
Small flowers in 2- to 4-inch clusters appear in early summer.  Foliage is lustrous green and needlelike.  Colors include rose, pink, white, and purple.
 
Zone: 6
Light and Soil: Full sun.  Moist, well-drained, acid soil.
Height: 2'
 
Comments
Use in beds, borders, and rock gardens.  Not so hardy as other varieties.  Mulch for best results.  Prune after flowers fade to encourage more vigorous growth.