Plant of the week: Erica Ruby Shepherd

Plant of the week is Erica Ruby Shepherd. Photo / Supplied

Winter flowering plants always have a special place in the garden, they offer colour, life and vibrancy to a garden when it can otherwise be cold, dreary and uninviting.

Erica Ruby Shepherd is one these delightful winter flowers. Its cerise–pink blooms grace this plant during May, June and early July. They start with tight buds that ever so slowly develop and grow before opening fully. This process gives a great length to its flowering season.

Many varieties in the family of Ericas flower through the cooler autumn and winter months. The flowers of many varieties are loaded with nectar, making them attractive to both bees and birds.

Particularly in the northern hemisphere, but also by some New Zealanders, Ericas are commonly referred to as 'heaths' or 'heathers'. Ericas are renowned for their ability to endure hot sun and poor soil, making them ideal for the sandy areas of Whanganui.

They will in fact grow in any well drained soil and will handle full sun or a part shade situation. They prefer an acidic soil, so use acid fertiliser to feed them as you would camellias, rhododendrons and daphne.

Erica Ruby Shepherd looks good in a shrub garden mixed with similar sized plants such as Breath of Heaven (Coleonema Album), or in front of taller shrubs such as Mexican orange blossom (Choysia Ternata).