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Description
Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata, also known as the Slender Heath or Cape Heath, is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that is native to South Africa. It belongs to the Ericaceae family and is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful blooms and foliage. This plant can grow up to 60cm tall, with small, needle-like leaves and tiny, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, white, or purple. It is a hardy plant that is often used in rock gardens, borders, and container plantings.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Erica |
Appearance
Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata is a small, bushy shrub that typically grows up to 60cm tall and 60cm wide. It has needle-like leaves that are bright green in color and about 1cm long. The plant produces tiny, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers can be pink, white, or purple and have five petals that curl back at the tips. They bloom in late winter or early spring and are a popular attraction for bees and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Water: Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata prefers well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer, but you can feed it with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring.Soil: Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata prefers acidic, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate some drought but is sensitive to waterlogged soil.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will produce fewer flowers.Hardiness Zones: Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It can also be affected by spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Treat pest infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata is native to South Africa, where it grows in sandy, acidic soils in fynbos and renosterveld vegetation. It is known to tolerate drought and fire, and it is often found growing in rocky outcrops and slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to prune Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata?
A: The best time to prune this plant is after it has finished flowering, in late spring or early summer.
Q: Can Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the potting mix is well-draining and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: Is Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that this plant is toxic to pets.
Q: How often should Erica Filiformis Var. Longibracteata be fertilized?
A: This plant only needs to be fertilized once a year, in the spring, with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Erica Cerinthoides
- Erica Multiflora
- Erica Verticillata
- Erica Plukenetii
References
- “Erica filiformis var. longibracteata.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/erfilvarlong.htm.
- “Cape Heath.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10024/i-erica-filiformis-i-var-i-longibracteata-i/details.
- Burrows, J. E., et al. “Erica filiformis var. longibracteata.” The Plants of Southern Africa: An Annotated Checklist. Strelitzia 14, 2005, p. 2824.
