Erica 



(324) 



Erica 



or pleasure grounds. RavennEe has been much 

 used for sub-tropical effects in the garden in 

 summer. They like a rich but dry soil, and are 

 propagated by division or seeds. 



Principal Species : 

 Mousteiri, 9'. Eavennee, 6'. saccharoides, 8'. 



ERICA. 



Description. This is the typical genus of its 

 order (Ericaceaj), and comprises a very large 

 number of shrubby plants, mostly hard-wooded, 



EIUCA CAVENDISHIANA (see p. 325). 



that are, with the exception of a few hardy, species, 

 natives of South Africa. AH are comparatively 

 slow growers, but they produce large numbers of 

 rather small blooms, and make a fine floral display 

 in their season. A reference to the selections given 

 will show that this genus of .Cape Heaths can be so 

 arranged that representatives are in flower the 

 whole year through. Thirty years ago the cultiva- 

 tion of hard-wooded plants was at its height. A 

 reaction followed, and for years Heaths were 

 generally conspicuous by their absence. At the 

 commencement of the twentieth century we find 

 Heaths becoming increasingly popular, but the 

 demand is for small, freely flowered plants in 5" 

 and 13" pots. 



Propagation. By cuttings, taken about the 

 beginning of July. Sturdy young shoots are the 

 best, and all leaves must be removed from the 

 portion to he inserted. Drain a C" pot well, put in 

 some rough peat, then add finely silted peat and 

 sand, and make the whole firm. Insert the cut tiny*, 

 and make each quite firm. As each potful is 

 finished give a surfacing of fine silver sand, remove 



to a close frame or pit, and place under a bell- 

 glass in a shaded spot in a warm greenhouse. 

 Slight sprayings or waterings will be needed from 

 time to time, but must be given with the utmost 

 care. In the following spring the tiny plants 

 should be potted singly into small, well-drained 

 pots of light, peaty soil, and again kept close until 

 thoroughly established. Hardly any water at the 

 roots will 'be necessary until new growth com- 

 mences. Give the young Heaths an elevated 

 position, so as to avoid attenuated growth. 



Soil. Peat and sand are necessary for the culti- 

 vation of Heaths in pots. The former need not be 

 of a fibrous character like that used for Orchids, 

 or flaky like that used for Rhododendron beds, 

 but rather of a finer, more earthy texture, capable 

 of being firmly compacted. Anything like souvn<'-s 

 in the soil is death to Heaths, just as drought 

 would be ; their fine and tender rootlets are as 

 quickly killed by the one as the other. The 

 necessity for crocking the pots with the utmost 

 care will be patent. 



Other Cultural Points. February or March is 

 a good time for potting Heaths, but the condition 

 of the plant must always be the first consideration. 

 Be quite sure that the ball of soil and roots is 

 moist throughout before potting. Ram the compost- 

 firmly and evenly, and finish off with a surfacing of 

 sharp sand. Keep the structure somewhat close 

 for a few weeks after potting to encourage quick 

 rooting. Success in Heath culture depends more 

 upon how the plants are watered than anything 

 else, and it is in this that the most mistakes are 

 made. When water is given, sufficient must be 

 supplied to thoroughly moisten the whole body of 

 soil and roots; if potting has been properly 

 done, the mass will be moist when water passes 

 freely out of the drainage hole. Established 

 Heaths require abundance of air during summer 

 and autumn, and only during the severest weather 

 need the ventilators be quite closed. Draughts 

 must, however, be avoided. Nearly all the Heaths, 

 except, perhaps, cavendishiana, may be put out of 

 doors during August and most of September, pro- 

 vided the}' are sheltered from strong winds and 

 are plunged in a bed of ashes kept moist. The 

 Cape Heaths are essentially cool greenhouse 

 plants ; 38 to 40 should be regarded as the winter 

 minimum, while in summer the more fresh air they 

 have the better. A closer atmosphere, which 

 necessitates a rise of temperature, is advisable for 

 a short time after potting. 



Hardy Heaths. These form a group of beautiful 

 and mostly low-growing shrubs, that chiefly flower 

 during autumn, winter, and spring. Well-rooted 

 plants offer no cultural difficulties if a peaty 

 soil is provided, or, failing peat, a mixture mainly 

 composed of leaf mould. All those having a low, 

 tufted habit are easily propagated by division in 

 late autumn or early spring, but the taller forms 

 must be increased by cuttings of young growth 

 taken in autumn, and inserted as firmly as possible 

 in pots of finely sifted and very sandy peat. When 

 inserted and watered, place them in a cold frame, 

 and keep them close until rooted. 



It is of interest to note here that Brier-root 

 tobacco pipes are made from the tough, irregular 

 wood of Erica arborea, a species that grows to 

 a considerable size on the Mediterranean shores. 

 Jlfiii/i-n; the French for Heath, has become cor- 

 rupted to Brier. 



