Erica x darleyensis 'Kramer's Rote'
Common name: Darley Heath
Erica x darleyensis 'Kramer's Rote' (Other name: Erica x darleyensis 'Kramer's Red') is a great plant to brighten up the darkest days. It is a low-maintenance, mounding evergreen shrub that grows to about forty-five centimetres (eighteen inches) in height. It blooms from mid winter to mid spring (December to April) producing small, bell shaped magenta flowers. Erica x darleyensis 'Kramer's Rote' performs best in full sun and enjoys free draining, acidic soil.
Erica x darleyensis 'Kramer's Rote' is one of the top favourites among Darley Dale heaths. It was bred by German nurseryman Kurt Kramer. He created the hybrid by crossing Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby' with Erica erigena 'Brightness'. Erica x darleyensis 'Kramer's Rote' is a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
This plant can be found in Bed 66 of the Heather Garden.
**The word 'rote' means red in German.
Text and photos by Kumi Sutcliffe