Photo of Erica carnea 'Ann Sparkes' flower, foliage by Forestfarm

Photo by Forestfarm

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Erica carnea 'Ann Sparkes'

Also Known As

  • Erica carnea 'Ann Sparks'
  • Ann Sparks Spring Heath
  • Heather

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

  • H: 6"-9"
  • W: 12"-15"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

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Erica carnea 'Ann Sparkes' plant details

Erica carnea 'Ann Sparkes' is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover shrub with bronze, green and red foliage. In spring and winter purple and red flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in acidic, average, gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Erica carnea 'Ann Sparkes'

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen bronze, green and red
Mature size: 12 IN - 15 IN - wide, 6 IN - 9 IN - tall
Flowers: purple and red blooms in spring and winter
Uses: rock garden, winter interest, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Erica carnea 'Ann Sparkes'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A VERY nice gold-foliaged Erica whose tips turn a rich reddish-mauve during winter; to 6-9" tall, it is topped by showy carmine-red flowers in early spring. S/M/Acid/Mulch
A beacon of dazzling color, the low-to-the-ground mat is cloaked in distinctive needlelike foliage set aglow with gilded yellow hues and bronzy red tips. Resulting as a sport from 'Vivellii' and named by J. W. Sparkes in 1955 for his sister-in-law, this lambent beauty is further heightened when her carmine-red racemes unfurl, cheering up a drab winter landscape.
Purple Flowers. Golden foliage/bronze tips.

Gardening facts about Erica carnea 'Ann Sparkes' plant

How to Grow Erica carnea 'Ann Sparkes'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • red
    • bronze
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • winter
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Erica for your garden

aka Fire Heath, Heather, Red Hairy Heath

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • occasional
Photo of Erica cerinthoides flower by Andrew massyn
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9b-12

Size

Height: 2'-6'

Width: 2'-6'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Erica plukenetii flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Outeniqua Heath

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 8'-10'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
Photo of Erica versicolor flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Tree Heath

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-12'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Erica arborea flower by Jean Tosti
View Plant

More Options

aka Pink Cloud Spring Heath

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 4"-6"

Width: 18"-24"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Erica carnea 'Pink Cloud' flower by Kristine Paulus
View Plant

More Options

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