Erica psittacina is a large, woody, bushy, erect, single-stemmed shrub that grows to a height of 1-1.5 m. The main branches are up to 400 mm long, sometimes topped with numerous secondary branches 100-160 mm long, with 1 or 2 tertiary branches 30-60 mm long. Stem with dense, short, simple hairs and spreading, stouter, longer hairs. Leaves are 4-nate (in groups of 4). Flowers are hairy, pink and urn-shaped. Flowers grow in 2-5 whorls, terminal on secondary branches, lower 1 or 2 whorls with internodes. Inflorescence of lower whorls racemose while upper whorls are umbel-like. Pedicel 4-6 mm long, with dense, fine simple hairs, red. Bract is leaf-like and on branch in lower whorls of inflorescence. Corolla is 4-lobed and bright pink. Ovary 4-locular, covered with simple short hairs with large nectaries at base. Fruit a dehiscent capsule; seeds ovoid, yellow-brown to brown.

It is a very distinct species among the 32 Erica species that occur in KwaZulu-Natal. Erica psittacina is closely related to Erica algida in that both have leaves in groups of 4. However, E. algida is widespread along the whole Drakensberg Range, is a multi-stemmed resprouter, and flowers in a single inflorescence arranged in one whorl.

The length of flowering time is unknown. However, Erica psittacina has been seen flowering in February.