Do you like those bushes that are a little taller than a person? And if they also give very pretty flowers, you love them, right? Then do not stop reading because I am going to tell you all about a wonderful plant: the Multiflora heather.
That name may not tell you anything right now, but it is likely that you will not forget since it is that of a species that will give you great satisfaction.
Origin and characteristics
The Multiflora heatherknown as heather, winter heather, bruguera or cepeyo, is native to the western and central Mediterranean. In the Balearic Islands it is found in the larger islands, and we can also see it in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Catalonia, Bajo Aragón and the Valencian Community. It is also a plant present in North Africa, from the north of Morocco to the north of Tunisia.
It is characterized by reaching a height of up to 2,5m, with straight branches covered by evergreen, acicular and green leaves that are 6-14mm long.. The flowers are grouped in large inflorescences, and are usually terminal (that is, after flowering they wither and fall). It blooms almost all year round, except in winter if it is very cold.
The fruit is dry, has the shape of a capsule and is opened by 4 valves. It has no hairs.
What are their cares?
If you want to get a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:
Location
Place your Multiflora heather outside, in full sun or in semi-shade. If you opt for this last option, you have to make sure that it receives more light than shadow.
Earth
- the garden: the soil must be calcareous.
- Flower pot: it is not necessary to complicate much. With the universal growing medium you will have more than enough to grow well.
Irrigation
It must be watered every 2-3 days in summer and somewhat less the rest of the year.. Use preferably rainwater or without too much lime.
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From spring to late summer It is recommended to fertilize with an organic compost, such as guano. In case of having it in a pot, use liquid fertilizers so that the water drainage continues to be good.
Planting or transplanting time
In springwhen the risk of frost has passed.
Pruning
It can be pruned after flowering to keep it compact. Cut off stems that are diseased, dry, or weak, and trim those that are overgrown. Use some pruning shears previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol.
Pests
In general, it is quite sturdy. However, in very dry environments it can be affected by mealybugs or by Mites. The former may have a cottony or limpet-like appearance and are eliminated with an anti-mealybug insecticide; the latter, on the other hand, measure less than 0,5cm and can produce cobwebs. The latter are removed with acaricides.
Multiplication
The Multiflora heather it multiplies by seeds and by cuttings. Let’s see how to proceed in each case:
Seeds
To multiply it by seeds you have to follow this step by step:
- First, you must acquire the seeds in spring.
- Once you have them, fill a seedling tray (you can get it here!) with universal growing substrate.
- Then, water so that the substrate is well soaked.
- Next, place a maximum of 2 seeds in each socket, and cover them with a thin layer of substrate.
- Then water again, this time with a sprayer.
- Finally, place the seedling tray inside a slightly larger tray without holes, in semi-shade.
Keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, the seeds will germinate in 14-21 days.
Cuttings
To multiply by cuttings, proceed as follows:
- First, a semi-woody branch with leaves is cut in early summer.
- Then, a pot of about 10,5cm in diameter is filled with vermiculite (you can buy it here!)
- Afterwards, it is watered and a hole is made right in the center.
- Next, the base of the cutting is impregnated with rooting hormones (you can buy them here!) or with homemade rooting agents.
- The next step is to plant it in the pot, having previously made a hole right in the center.
- Finally, it is watered again, this time with a sprayer, and the pot is placed in semi-shade.
If everything goes fine, will emit its own roots in 1-2 months.
Rusticity
Withstands frosts down to -4ºC. If you live in an area where winter is colder, protect it in a greenhouse or indoors, in a room where a lot of light comes in from outside.
What uses does it have?
Ornamental
Whether to have it in a pot or in the garden, the Multiflora heather it will look great in any corner. In addition, it is one of the few species of Erica that tolerates calcareous soils, so if you have that type of terrain and you love heather, you already know which one you should buy .
Medicinal
Three or four tablespoons of flower tops boiled in 1l of water are used to benefit from its properties diuretics, antiseptics and sedatives of the urinary tract. In addition, they stimulate the production of urine, and disinfect the kidneys. You have to take several cups a day.
Where do you buy?
You can get it at any nursery or garden storebe it physical or online. Its price is about 8 euros in a 2-liter pot, with a height of 40-60cm.
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