Darley Heath

Darley heath (Erica × darleyensis, Ericaceae) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub of hybrid origin (E. carnea × E. erigena), reaching about 2 feet tall with a similar spread. Flowers range from white to rose and bloom from late fall to mid-spring (November to May), providing winter color when few other plants are in flower. It shows hybrid vigor, growing more vigorously than either parent.

Darley heath grows in full sun and tolerates poor growing conditions and alkaline soil, hardy in Zones 6a to 8b. It is hardier and more frost-tolerant than most heaths. Cultivars include 'Kramer's Red' (deep magenta-red), 'Mediterranean Pink,' 'Mediterranean White,' and 'Furzey' (magenta).