THE 
FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
October 1, 1841. 
CULTIVATION OF THE GENUS ERICA. 
BY MR. DON. 
The genus Erica , consisting of the true Heaths, is a most exten¬ 
sive, and exceedingly beautiful one ; and many of the species are 
of easy culture. They may be readily grown as window flowers, 
as they require no artificial heat, but are only to be protected 
from severe frosts and cutting winds, which last are very injurious 
to them. Cold, if not so low as freezing, does them no harm 
whatever ; and thus, by attention to the few directions we shall 
give, the culture of them is a very simple process. At the same 
time, there is no genus of plants which gives so much beauty to 
the greenhouse or the window as well-chosen Heaths. 
O N 
The only circumstance which destroys these plants is allowing 
the mould to be always wet about them. The plan which I recom¬ 
mend to those who intend to grow them in windows, is to put 
round the outside of each pot an inch and a half thick of sphag* 
num , or common bog moss ; and if this is frequently moistened, 
it will prevent the necessity of giving too much water inside the 
pots. A little green moss should be placed over the top of each 
pot, and no water should be given till this moss is removed, and 
the mould examined, and then only when the mould appears very 
dry. If this is the case, the pots should be filled up with water 
till the mould is wetted throughout ; after which the green moss 
should be replaced. 
i i 
VOL. II. NO. XI. 
