Erica carnea Golden Starlet (Winter Heath)

Noted for its golden foliage, award-winning Erica carnea ‘Golden Starlet’ is a prostrate evergreen shrub of neat, compact, spreading habit, with profuse, urn-shaped, pure white flowers borne in short racemes, from early winter to late spring (Dec-May). They beautifully smother the needle-like, lime-green foliage, which turns glowing yellow in summer before changing back to lime-green in winter. Great at providing winter color, this low-growing, evergreen shrub creates an excellent ground cover for sunny locations while requiring little care.

Noted for its golden foliage, award-winning Erica carnea 'Golden Starlet' is a prostrate evergreen shrub of neat, compact, spreading habit, with profuse, urn-shaped, pure white flowers borne in short racemes, from early winter to late spring (Dec-May). They beautifully smother the needle-like, lime-green foliage, which turns glowing yellow in summer before changing back to lime-green in winter. Great at providing winter color, this low-growing, evergreen shrub creates an excellent ground cover for sunny locations while requiring little care.

  • Grows in an attractive mound, up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 12-18 in. across (30-45 cm).
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Performs best in full sun in sandy, acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Part shade is welcomed in hot summer areas. Newly planted Heath can dry out quickly once planted, so it is important to water regularly and thoroughly when the plant is young.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to rock gardens, groundcover, slopes, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, or containers. Plant in groups for the best visual impact.
  • Produces nectar that attracts bees on mild winter days, but is ignored by deer!
  • Virtually disease and pest free, but watch for powdery mildew, root rot, rust, and wilt.
  • Plants may be sheared lightly after flowers fade, but not any later since flower buds are formed during the summer. Annual light shearing promotes a bushier plant.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 5
– 7

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Erica and Calluna
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Winter
Height 4"
– 6"
(10cm
– 15cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 12″
– 18″
(30cm
– 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage