Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2008. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Bell heather - Erica cinerea

Bell heather - Erica cinereaBell heather - Erica cinerea
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

Bell heather is a compact, evergreen shrub with narrow dark green leaves which are produced in whorls of three. It produces bell-shaped flowers, which are normally wine-red, or occasionally white. It flowers from summer through to early autumn.

This native plant is found on dry heaths and is attractive to insects, particularly honey bees and bumble bees.

Animals

Buff-tailed bumble bee, Common carder bumble bee, Honey bee, Lesser yellow underwing moth, Red mason bee, Red-tailed bumble bee, Ruby tiger moth, White-tailed bumble bee, Wool-carder bee

FoliageGreen
FlowerRed, June to September
MoistureDry (Dry)
SunlightFull sun (Full sun)
OriginNative