Erica (Erica) - evergreen shrubs from the Heather family, numbering in its genus more than 500 different species. In their natural environment, plants can be found in the Mediterranean and South Africa.
The high decorative qualities of erica allow it to enjoy well-deserved respect among landscape designers. Erica flowers are often used for landscaping household plots and decorating areas near buildings. It can be planted as a ground cover plant. Among the many species and varieties, there are bushes with different shades of leaves and flowers, with a varied shape and duration of flowering. A blooming culture is perfectly combined with other natural specimens and can feel harmoniously in various compositional solutions. Excellent companion plants for evergreen shrubs are rhododendrons, thuja, junipers and other conifers. One of the features of Erica is a wide palette of her colors and shades - from delicate pastels to bright and rich pinks, purples, oranges and yellows.
Planting and caring for Erica outdoors
Location
It is recommended to choose an area for planting Erica that is sunny and illuminated for a long time during the day, protected from cold drafts and strong gusts of wind. The splendor and duration of flowering depends on the amount of sunlight. Conifers or deciduous hedges can be used as wind protection. Small buildings can also serve as a windbreak. The light-loving and heat-loving Erica needs full-fledged warmth and lighting.
The soil
Most of the varieties and varieties of erica prefer to grow in acidic soils, but some species grow well in neutral and slightly alkaline areas.
Watering
Watering the moisture-loving plant is necessary regularly and generously, especially during hot summer days and during dry periods. Watering should be done every day, especially in the first year after planting.
Mulching
In the evergreen erica shrub, the root part is located close to the surface of the earth, so it needs additional protection in the form of a mulch layer of peat, rotted foliage or pine needles. Mulch will not only protect the roots, but also prevent the appearance of weeds, retain the necessary moisture in the soil and maintain the acidity level of the soil.
Growing Erica in winter
Erica has a low level of winter hardiness and weak resistance to cold, therefore, in regions with snowless and little snowy winters, and even with very strong and prolonged frosts, thermophilic crops must be protected with additional shelter. In the autumn, a thick mulching layer of peat is applied to the trunk circles near each bush, and the bush itself is covered with spruce branches in the form of a small hut in large quantities.It is recommended to remove the cover in early spring to provide crops with free access to sun and air and ensure full development.
Reproduction of Erica
Erica reproduces by seeds, cuttings, bush division and layering.
Seed propagation
The seeds are sown in small planting containers with a moistened acidic soil mixture. It can consist of two parts of peat and one part of coarse sand and coniferous land. Sowing - shallow, without embedding. The box with seeds is covered with glass and kept in a warm, bright room with a temperature of about 20 degrees for about a month. When seedlings appear, it is very important to regularly moisten the soil and maintain high humidity. The grown seedlings dive into individual pots. Shortly before transplanting, the plants are hardened and gradually accustomed to open air.
Propagation by cuttings
For grafting, apical cuttings 3-5 cm long are used. They are rooted within a month in a peat-sandy substrate. Care consists in watering and feeding.
Reproduction by dividing the bush and layering
Reproduction by layering and dividing the bush is considered the most convenient and popular way. Young seedlings adapt very quickly to new growing conditions and a new place.
Diseases and pests
Possible diseases are powdery mildew, rust, various fungal and viral infections. Most often, the reason for their appearance lies in the violation of the rules for caring for plants. An excess of moisture in the soil and high humidity can lead to the appearance of gray rot. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to plant crops only in well-lit areas and avoid wet soils and the proximity of groundwater. Another reason for the onset of fungal disease can be a winter shelter with high humidity and little air access. Control measures - fungicide treatment. In case of a viral disease, when deformation of leaves and flowers occurs, it is better to remove the plant. Erica is practically not affected by pests.
