Fire heath

Erica cerinthoides

Cape fynbos and grassland heath with narrow needle-like grey-green leaves and clusters of slender tubular bright red flowers. One of the more widespread South African Erica species.

Hardiness ratings

Fire heath hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 9–11 −6.7 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H2 1 °C to 5 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 4–6 0 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Native to the Cape mountains and adjacent grasslands of South Africa
  • Demands sharp drainage and acidic sandy soil — typical Cape fynbos requirements
  • Pollinated by sunbirds — flowers structured for bird perching and long bills
  • Distinct from the many European tree heaths (Erica arborea) and bell heathers

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Fire heath against your zones

Reference

Fire heath on Wikipedia