Alpine heath Plant Care

Alpine heath (Erica fontana) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Erica genus. Alpine heath is native to the Western Cape and occurs in the Cape Peninsula. Alpine heath is also known as Bell heather, Erica carnea.

Alpine heath displays a low mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Alpine heath produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alpine heath every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Alpine heath thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Erica fontana tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Alpine heath prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and sand. Good drainage is essential for Alpine heath to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alpine heath every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and sand. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alpine heath is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Alpine heath can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Alpine heath while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Alpine heath is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alpine heath can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cape heath plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Alpine heath is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, root rot. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Alpine heath grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Alpine heath is native to the Western Cape and occurs in the Cape Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Alpine heath as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.