How big does Winter heath grow?

About 25 cm × 50 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–30 cm × 30–50 cm.

What soil does Winter heath grow in?

It tolerates these soils: acidic, sandy, average garden soil, calcareous.

Is Winter heath hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Winter heath flower?

Flowering: January–April, pink, white, purple, red.

How much water does Winter heath need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Winter heath

Erica carnea

Winter heath (Erica carnea) is a ground cover plant that reaches 25 cm × 50 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €4.60.

Illustration of Winter heath — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, cushion-forming evergreen dwarf shrub with needle-like leaves that covers itself in pink, white or purple flowers at the end of winter, often while still poking out of the snow, when it is a key food source for the first bees. Planted in groups it knits into a dense carpet over time and also suits rock gardens, slopes and pots. Unlike most heathers it puts up with slightly limy soil, but it looks best in loose, humus-rich, well-drained ground with a cooler summer position, and a light trim after flowering keeps it compact.

Watch out for

It copes badly with the hot, dry summers of Central Europe: its shallow roots dry out quickly, and in scorching sun and drought it browns and dies out in patches. Water it regularly in summer, mulch the soil and give it afternoon shade in hot positions. Heavy, clay or waterlogged soil kills it through root rot, so in such places plant it only in a raised bed with soil loosened with sand and peat. On strongly limy soil it yellows and grows weakly. It does not resprout from old bare wood, so trim only as far as the leafy part; without trimming it becomes bare. Powdery mildew and rust appear occasionally.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 25 cm × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D January–April, pink, white, purple, red

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	25 cm × 50 cm
Ultimate size	15–30 cm × 30–50 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Acidic, Sandy, Average garden soil, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	January–April, pink, white, purple, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €4.60

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.60

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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