Erica darleyensis

Description

Erica × darleyensis (unresolved), the Darley Dale heath, is a plant hybrid between the heathers E. carnea and E. erigena, probably of garden origin. It is a bushy shrub growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall by 75 cm (30 in) broad, with white to rose-pink urn-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. Unlike some plants in this genus, it has no particular requirement for acid soil but does require sharp drainage in full sun. It is especially suitable as groundcover, for instance as an underplanting for conifers. The seedling was found in a nursery in Darley Dale, Derbyshire, UK, prior to 1900.