This erica grows in nature in deep, well-drained, sandy acid soils. It is nevertheless most adaptable and will grow in a range of soil types. The heavier the soil (more clay content) the less water required. The important factor is that the soil medium must be allowed to drain between watering. This can be a problem in summer rainfall areas where large amounts of water fall in a short space of time.

The ideal pH is between 5.5 and 6.7. Soils made up from quartzite or sandstone is ideal and those derived from dolerite or granite are also suitable. A medium consisting of two parts acid river sand, two parts composted pine bark and one part loam is used to make up our potting mixture.

Feeding

Weekly application of organic seaweed derived fertilizers has proved a safe method of feeding. Better growth may be achieved by applying controlled release fertilizers such as osmocote or horticote, but be careful not to apply too many granules per plant. Twenty to thirty granules applied per plant each autumn or spring is recommended. Kelpac stimulates strong root development and helps the plant overcome stress such as excessive heat or limited root disturbance.

Propagation

Bridal heath is easily grown from seed, which should be sown in autumn. Treatment with smoke or smoke extract greatly enhances germination. The seedlings take about six to ten weeks to germinate and are delicate in their early stages. It is important not to sow too thickly as seedlings growing too close together and over watering may result in damping off. The young seedlings should be protected from heavy rainfall and direct sunlight by placing the seed trays under cover while providing good light and aeration. The seedlings should be watered gently to avoid washing them out of the tray or bending their delicate stems. Allow the young plants to reach a height of about 1cm before planting out into individual bags. Grow the plants up to at least 10cm before planting out in autumn or winter.

Propagation from cuttings is more difficult and should be done with suitable facilities such as bottom heat and overhead misting or fogging. Cuttings should preferably be taken in autumn, but may also be rooted in spring. Fresh actively growing thin side shoots taken as heel cuttings yield the best results. A rooting hormone for semi hardwood cuttings applied to the cut surface or heel results in quicker and better rooting. Rooting may take from eight to sixteen weeks or sometimes longer. The roots are very delicate and rooted cuttings should be planted out with great care.

In the Garden

This is a hardy species suitable for most gardens in South Africa where the humidity is not too high. It grows well in summer rainfall areas that receive mild frost as long as it is watered through the winter. Plants also do well under relatively harsh windy conditions at the coast.

The ideal place to plant is where there is good drainage in flat garden beds, on slopes or in rockeries. Although not having the ideal growth habit, it may be planted in pots as long as it is regularly pruned to retain good shape. Pruning will also increase flower production, producing splendid displays. The flowers will attract bird pollinators to the garden. This erica is a pleasing addition when used in flower arrangements.