Erica darleyensis 'Rubina' is a vibrant winter blooming heather known for its dense spikes of deep magenta flowers and fine needle like evergreen foliage. It thrives in acidic soil and provides essential color and pollinator support when few other plants are in bloom making it invaluable in winter landscapes. This low growing shrub also performs well on slopes, rock gardens, and borders where drainage is sharp.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late fall to early spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
Soil Preference: Acidic, well drained sandy or peaty soils
Watering Needs: Low once established; avoid soggy conditions
Deer Resistance: Foliage and resinous stems generally unpalatable to deer
Native Status
This cultivar is a hybrid of Erica carnea and Erica erigena, native to Europe. It is not native to North America but performs reliably in cold hardy gardens with acidic soils.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Blooms early enough to provide nectar to awakening honeybees and native Andrena species in late winter and early spring.
Butterflies
- Visited by overwintered adults like the Comma and Small Tortoiseshell during warmer days of late winter.
Beneficial Insects
- Dense foliage provides shelter to predatory ground beetles and parasitic wasps overwintering in leaf litter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow dense coverage while preserving airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for acid rock gardens, raised beds, or erosion control on sloped woodland edges.
Companion Plants
- Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush Blueberry) - Shares acidic soil needs and offers seasonal foliage and fruit interest.
- Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) - Shiny foliage and red berries enhance the evergreen texture of the heather.
- Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' - Arching foliage variegated in cream and rose mimics the tones of winter bloom.
- Calluna vulgaris 'Firefly' - Complements the magenta flowers with orange and red tinged foliage in winter.
- Carex pensylvanica - Soft grasslike sedge weaves between heather mounds and tolerates similar soil and light conditions.