GEORGE NEWS - Both Erica sparsa and Erica quadrangularis are easy to grow as decorative shrubs and available at the Garden Route Botanical Garden Nursery at the special price of R25 each.
Erica sparsa grows to a height of 1m. This erect shrub produces masses of small pale to rosy pink flowers in late summer, autumn and winter.
It prefers a sunny, well-aired position and should cope well with windy coastal conditions.
Erica quadrangularis grows to a height of 600mm with branches extending outwards nearly horizontally, and bears cup-shaped white or pink flowers from mid-winter to early summer.
In nature it is found in seepage areas on sandy flats on moist clay bank. Plant in sun or semi-shade. It requires moderate watering.
No fertiliser
Both Ericas like well-drained acidic soil with no manure or chemical fertiliser added.
Care must be taken not to disturb the root system and to allow free air movement.
Both respond well to light pruning after flowering, and to a mulch of well-rotted compost in spring and autumn. Cut flowers are long-lasting.
The botanical garden's nursery is situated at 49 Caledon Street in George and is open Mondays to Thursdays from 08:30 to 17:30, Fridays from 08:30 to 14:00, and Saturday mornings from 09:00 to 14:30.
For more information contact 044 874 1558 / info@botanicalgarden.org.za.
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