Wax Heath, Italian Heather, Porcelain Heath
Care
Lighting
The Wax Heath does best if it is placed on the balcony or terrace from spring to fall.
Ideal are locations with some morning or evening sun. Erica ventricosa tolerates hot summer sun, but does not like it if the soil dries regularly. Which can easily happen when it is exposed to the sun all day long.
Soil
A peat-free rhododendron mix is well suited..
Watering
The soil should always be slightly moist but not soggy. Water daily during hot summer weeks. Water sparingly if placed cool during winter. Avoid overwatering such as drying out. Dryness leads to the shedding of flower buds.
Feeding
Every 4th to 8th week if the Wax Heath is in active growth. Feed with oraganic liquid fertilizer or a standard liquid fertilizer at half strength. A new bought or recently repotted plant don’t need to be fed for the first year.
Temperature
If you want the Wax Heath to bloom in early summer a winter rest period at 5 to 10 °C (41 to 50 °F) is ideal. For a short time the small shrub should be able to withstand temperatures of up to -3 °C (37 °F).
Propagation
Erica ventricosa can be propagated by layering or with cuttings.
Profile
Scientific name
Erica ventricosa
Common name(s)
Wax Heath, Italian Heather, Porcelain Heath, Franschhoek Feath
Family
Ericaceae (Heather family)
Origin
South Africa
Height
20 cm to 1 m
Toxic
No