Contents
Description
Erica Carnea Golden Starlet is a dwarf shrub that belongs to the heather family. It is a hardy plant that produces masses of golden-yellow flowers from late winter to early spring. This plant is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It has a low-growing, spreading habit and is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Erica |
Appearance
Erica Carnea Golden Starlet has tiny evergreen leaves that are dark green and needle-like, arranged in whorls around the stems. The flowers are tubular, bell-shaped, and golden-yellow in color, and they cover the entire plant in late winter and early spring. The plant grows up to 8 inches in height and can spread up to 24 inches in diameter. It is a low-growing shrub that forms a dense mat of foliage.
Care Guide
Water: Erica Carnea Golden Starlet prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, and ensure that the soil never dries out completely.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.Soil: This plant prefers acidic, well-drained soil. It is important to ensure that the soil is not too alkaline, as this can cause the plant to suffer from nutrient deficiencies.Sunlight: Erica Carnea Golden Starlet prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much will cause it to become leggy and less floriferous.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erica Carnea Golden Starlet is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be affected by spider mites, which can cause yellowing of the leaves and a decrease in plant vigor. To prevent spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and avoid dry conditions. In addition, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to become more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Habitat
Erica Carnea Golden Starlet is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, where it grows in rocky, well-drained soil. It is commonly found in subalpine and alpine meadows, and on rocky slopes and ledges.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Erica Carnea Golden Starlet tolerate frost?
A: Yes, this plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8 and can tolerate frost.
Q: Does Erica Carnea Golden Starlet need pruning?
A: This plant does not require pruning, but it can be pruned lightly after flowering to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can Erica Carnea Golden Starlet tolerate drought?
A: This plant prefers moist soil and can suffer from drought stress if the soil is too dry. It is important to keep the plant well-watered during the growing season.
Q: How often should I fertilize Erica Carnea Golden Starlet?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Related Plants
- Erica carnea ‘Myretoun Ruby’
- Erica cinerea ‘C.D. Eason’
- Erica arborea
- Erica tetralix
References
- “Erica Carnea Golden Starlet – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e267.
- “Erica carnea ‘Golden Starlet’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/45817/i-Erica-carnea-i-Golden-Starlet/Details.
- “Erica carnea Golden Starlet.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/188214/.
