Ericaceae
Tree Heath (Erica arborea)
Erica arborea
A garden shrub for mild temperate climates (USDA zones 7-10, to about -15 °C). Give it sun or part shade, acid, well-drained soil and regular water while it establishes. Prune after flowering.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
-15° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Tree Heath?
Tree Heath (Erica arborea) is a medium-care plant from the Ericaceae family. Erica arborea is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the heather family, native to the Mediterranean Basin, the western Caucasus and the mountains of East Africa and Arabia. It reaches about 7 m in the wild but usually 1-4 m in gardens. It has dark green needle-like leaves and, from late winter into...
Tree Heath grows up to 4.0m, spread of 300cm, watering every 7 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Tree Heath is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Tree Heath?
TLDR: Tree Heath needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between -15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Tree Heath?
Water about once a week in the first year and during dry spells, without waterlogging. As an evergreen it loses water through its leaves in winter too, so do not let the soil dry out completely.
How Much Light Does Tree Heath Need?
Full sun to part shade, ideally a south- or west-facing spot sheltered from strong wind. It flowers best in sun.
What Is the Best Soil for Tree Heath?
Acid to neutral, light, well-drained soil. On chalky or waterlogged ground it struggles and can die. Use ericaceous compost.
What Pot Should You Use for Tree Heath?
Best in the ground. Young plants can spend a few years in a large, deep pot with drainage holes and ericaceous compost.
What Is Tree Heath and Where Does It Come From?
Erica arborea is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the heather family, native to the Mediterranean Basin, the western Caucasus and the mountains of East Africa and Arabia. It reaches about 7 m in the wild but usually 1-4 m in gardens. It has dark green needle-like leaves and, from late winter into spring, long sprays of tiny white bell-shaped flowers with a honey scent. It grows in scrub and woodland on acid soils. Its hard root burl, known as briar, is used to make tobacco pipes.
How to Propagate Tree Heath?
Semi-ripe cuttings
Use acid compost and lime-free water. Buying young potted plants is the easiest route.
- 1 In summer, take 5-8 cm tips of this year's shoots
- 2 Strip the leaves from the lower half
- 3 Insert in a moist, acid mix of peat-free compost or coir with sand
- 4 Cover with plastic and keep in bright, indirect light until rooted
Materials needed:
How Big Does Tree Heath Grow?
TLDR: Tree Heath can reach up to 4.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
4.0m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Tree Heath?
TLDR: Tree Heath is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Fun Facts
On East African mountains such as Kilimanjaro it forms 'giant heather' thickets above the treeline.
The flowers smell of honey and draw plenty of bees in late winter.
It was already grown in gardens by 1658.
Frequently asked questions
Does tree heath grow on chalky soil?
When should I prune Erica arborea?
How hardy is tree heath?
Are briar pipes really made from it?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
