Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby'
Common name: Winter Heath
Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby', a hardy, low-growing, evergreen shrub, blooms from late winter into spring. Because it grows densely to the ground, it makes an excellent ground cover.
E. carnea 'Myretoun Ruby' has small urn-shaped flowers that open rose-pink then deepen to magenta and ruby-red. These flowers are attractive to bees. E. carnea 'Myretoun Ruby' has dark green, needle-like foliage. It prefers acidic soil but will tolerate alkaline soil as well.
E. carnea 'Myretoun Ruby' was raised from seed at Myretoun (pronounced Morton), Scotland by A. Porteous. This shrub receives its name from the name of a castle in Wigtownshire, Scotland. "This cultivar received high ratings from judges during a CPP evaluation held in 2003 at VanDusen Botanical Garden." (quote from Great Plant Picks)
Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby' can be found in Bed 72 near Picea abies 'Virgata' (Snakebranch Spruce) and Heather Pond.
Text and photos by Kumi Sutcliffe