The tree heather (Erica arborea) is similar in appearance and flowers to the summer and winter heather, but grows significantly larger. While the tree heather can form a thick trunk in its area of origin and grow up to 6 m high, in Central Europe it rarely grows higher than 1 m for climatic reasons.
The areas of origin of the tree heather
The tree heather is an important part of the landscape in various regions of the Canary Islands. This plant species also originally grows in mountainous regions of the Mediterranean and East Africa. In these relatively mild to tropical climates, the tree heather can achieve a truly tree-like habit. The flowering period is correspondingly impressive, when the tree heather opens a multitude of long-lasting, white flowers. North of the Alps, tree heather thrives relatively well without winter protection, especially in Ireland's mild climate.
Cultivating the tree heather in the pot
The tree heather is often sold in pots in garden shops. Due to its sensitivity to frost, it can make sense to cultivate the tree heather permanently in a pot. Then it is important to ensure that there is an adequate supply of nutrients and water. While other potted plants are simply placed in the house or in a cellar over the winter, the tree heather is more sensitive to this. The best option for overwintering specimens in pots may be to place the tree heather in an unheated greenhouse or in a bright garden shed. Since the roots of potted plants are particularly exposed to the winter cold, the temperatures in the tree heather's winter quarters should, at best, fall slightly below freezing point for a short time.
Suitable winter protection for tree heather that has overwintered outdoors
Varieties of tree heather such as Erica arborea 'Albert's Gold' or Erica arborea 'Alpina' are winter-hardy outdoors for a short time down to around minus 10 degrees Celsius. In some cases, even lower temperatures can be survived if the following materials serve as enveloping winter protection:
- Fir branches
- brushwood
- fleece
In particular, wrapping in fleece (€34.00 on Amazon) is recommended for a special reason: If the sun shines on the branches of the tree heather in winter, this sometimes increases the water requirement that comes from the frozen ground cannot be adequately covered. The fleece therefore not only serves as protection against the cold, but also to shade the plants.
Tip
The tree heather, similar to the winter heather, blooms relatively early in the year. However, you won't see much of this if the plant is wrapped in thick winter protection in regions with harsh winters. So that you have some of the splendor of the tree heather's colors despite the more difficult wintering compared to snow heather, you can choose a year-round golden yellow variety such as Erica arborea 'Albert's Gold'. Similar to the winter heather, rejuvenating pruning after flowering is also recommended for the tree heather.
