Dive into the enchanting world of ‘December Red’, one of the first Erica carnea (Winter Heath) varieties to grace the garden with its blossoms. This evergreen shrub unveils its magic in the heart of winter, from December through February, blanketing its delicate, mid-green needle-like foliage with a profusion of narrow, urn-shaped flowers. These blooms start as a soft pink, gradually maturing to a more intense light purple as the season progresses.
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Here’s what makes ‘December Red’ a jewel in the garden:
- Vibrant Winter Color: Its robust and low-growing nature offers a splash of color during the colder months, making it a standout for winter gardens.
- Dimension and Growth: Naturally forming an appealing mound, it reaches heights of 7-13 inches and spreads up to 19 inches wide. Over time, its procumbent stems help it develop a dense carpet, perfect for ground cover.
- Planting Preferences: It thrives best in full sun, with a penchant for sandy, acidic, and well-drained soils. Although partial shade is appreciated in scorching summer regions. Note: Young plants need consistent watering to establish strong roots.
- Versatility: From rock to coastal gardens, slopes to containers, ‘December Red’ is a versatile beauty. For a striking display, plant in clusters.
- Wildlife Engagement: On those rare mild winter days, bees can’t resist its nectar. However, deer tend to give it a miss.
- Health Check: Mostly free from diseases and pests. Yet, be vigilant about common issues like powdery mildew, root rot, rust, and wilt.
- Care Tips: Post-bloom, a light shearing can enhance its bushy nature. Remember to shear shortly after the flowering season ends, as this plant sets its buds during summer.
Winter Heath Profile and Requirement
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29152
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In stock
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Bleeding Heart ‘Luxuriant’, Western Bleeding Heart ‘Luxuriant’, Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart ‘Luxuriant’
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Dicentra ‘Luxuriant’
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Dicentra – Bleeding Hearts
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Perennials
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Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs, Banks and Slopes
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2′ – 3′
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2′ – 3′
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3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Full Sun, Part Sun
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Average
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Low
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Chalk, Clay, Loam
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Alkaline, Neutral
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Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
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21″
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Dive into the enchanting world of ‘December Red’, one of the first Erica carnea (Winter Heath) varieties to grace the garden with its blossoms. This evergreen shrub unveils its magic in the heart of winter, from December through February, blanketing its delicate, mid-green needle-like foliage with a profusion of narrow, urn-shaped flowers. These blooms start […]
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In stock
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Winter Heath ‘December Red’, Heather ‘December Red’, Snow Heath ‘December Red’, Spring Heath ‘December Red’, Alpine Heath ‘December Red’
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Erica carnea ‘December Red’
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Erica and Calluna
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Shrubs
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Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Banks and Slopes
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7″ – 2′
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2′ – 3′
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5, 6, 7
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Full Sun
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Average
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Low
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Clay, Loam, Sand
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Acid, Neutral
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Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
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19″ – 25″
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29172
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In stock
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New Zealand Hair Sedge, Orange Sedge
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Carex testacea
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Carex – Sedges
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Ornamental Grasses
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Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
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1′ – 2′
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1′ – 2′
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6 – 10
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Full Sun, Part Sun
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Average
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Low
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Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
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Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
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Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
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18″ – 24″
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29176
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In stock
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Inkberry ‘Shamrock’, Gallberry ‘Shamrock’, Bitter Gallberry ‘Shamrock’, Evergreen Winterberry ‘Shamrock’, Inkberry Holly ‘Shamrock’, Appalachian Tea ‘Shamrock’
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Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’
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Ilex – Hollies
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Shrubs
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Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Hedges and Screens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Banks and Slopes, Small Gardens
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3′ – 4′
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3′ – 4′
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4 – 9
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Full Sun, Part Sun
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Average, High
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Low
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Clay, Loam
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Acid, Neutral
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Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
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36″ – 48″
[compare2product]
| Common Name |
Winter Heath 'December Red', Heather 'December Red', Snow Heath 'December Red', Spring Heath 'December Red', Alpine Heath 'December Red'
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| Botanical Name |
Erica carnea 'December Red'
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| Family |
Erica and Calluna
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| Plant Type |
Shrubs
|
| Uses |
Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Banks and Slopes
|
| Mature Height |
7" – 2'
|
| Mature Width |
2' – 3'
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| USDA Hardiness Zones |
5, 6, 7
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| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun
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| Water |
Average
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| Maintenance |
Low
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| Soil Type |
Clay, Loam, Sand
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| Soil pH |
Acid, Neutral
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| Soil Drainage |
Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
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| Spacing |
19" – 25"
|
|
| Common Name |
Winter Heath 'December Red', Heather 'December Red', Snow Heath 'December Red', Spring Heath 'December Red', Alpine Heath 'December Red'
|
| Botanical Name |
Erica carnea 'December Red'
|
| Family |
Erica and Calluna
|
| Plant Type |
Shrubs
|
| Uses |
Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Banks and Slopes
|
| Mature Height |
7" – 2'
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| Mature Width |
2' – 3'
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| USDA Hardiness Zones |
5, 6, 7
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| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun
|
| Water |
Average
|
| Maintenance |
Low
|
| Soil Type |
Clay, Loam, Sand
|
| Soil pH |
Acid, Neutral
|
| Soil Drainage |
Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
|
| Spacing |
19" – 25"
|
|
Originating from the Alps of Central Europe, Erica carnea is renowned for its resilience. It’s celebrated not just for its early flowering but also for its evergreen charm. When paired with early spring bulbs like crocus, scillas, and dwarf irises, it truly shines, presenting a tableau of colors and textures that’s simply breathtaking. For garden enthusiasts, ‘December Red’ is a delightful addition, promising beauty and simplicity in equal measure.
Where to Buy Winter Heath and Price list
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