Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The tiny white flowers of this White Heather will brighten up any landscape when they bloom in March. Botanically known as Erica carnea white, this evergreen shrub is low growing and reaches a height of 18 to 24 inches. Easy to care for, it generally grows trouble-free. A welcome addition to any garden both large and small.
Its dense and spreading habit makes this White Heather perfect for forming ground cover. Generally ignored by the deer, it is ideal for rural locations. It is also suitable for growing in a container or adding to a rock garden. Grow this White Heather in zones 5 to 8.
White Heather Care
This White Heather is happy in a sheltered spot in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a moist but well-drained soil that is neutral to acidic. Water regularly after planting and for the first growing season. Once established, water this shrub during periods of high heat and extended drought. Protect from cold winter winds and mulch with leaf mold or composted pine needles. On poorer soil or when grown in containers, fertilize plants with a formula designed for acid-loving plants in early spring to boost vitality.
You can tidy its appearance and shape by pruning after the flowers fade in spring. Trim lightly though, and avoid cutting back into old wood because those branches may not regrow.
White Heather Spacing
In the right conditions, the White Heather can grow to 18 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide. Perhaps most effective when planted in a group, White Heather plants should be spaced 30 to 36 inches apart.
White Heather Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 7 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 1-2 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Trailing, Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Late Winter to Spring
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Bright Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- White Heather
- Also Known As
- Alpine, Alpine Heath, Heath, Scotch Heath, Spring Heath, Winter-flowering Heather, Winter heath
- Botanical Name
- Erica carnea White
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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