This shrub has upright brittle woody stems that form a compact rounded habit. It has dark green needle-like leaves and the lilac-pink urn-shaped flowers appear in clusters towards the top of the branches from late winter to early spring. 

Hardiness zones 7 to 10 

Erica erigena is naturally found from Ireland to south-west France, Spain and Portugal growing in moist well drained soils that are tending acidic. It prefers an open sunny position and tolerates cool conditions and is drought and frost tolerant. 

Irish Heath is grown for its flowers and its compact habit. It is planted in small gardens or in low borders as a hedge. It establishes in 2 to 3 years and is suitable for inland or coastal regions. It is also grown in containers or large rockeries and there are many cultivars available. ID 2230

syn. Erica mediterranea

Erica (e-REE-ka) erigena (er-ee-JAY-na) 

Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens