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How to Grow Besom Heath

Besom Heath

Erica scoparia

shrub

Besom heath is a delicate, upright evergreen shrub native to southern Europe and North Africa, prized for its fine, feathery foliage and tiny pale pink or white flowers. The plant earned its common name from its historical use in making brooms or besoms. It grows as a relatively compact, columnar shrub with needle-like leaves arranged in whorls along wiry stems.

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Example Besom Heath timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Besom Heath

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Besom Heath

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Besom Heath dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; partial shade tolerated in very hot climates
💧
Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established but prefers consistently moist (not wet) soil during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Sensitive to waterlogging.
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Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable; ornamental shrub that develops over 2-3 years
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Planting depth: Same depth as container; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with low fertility; acid to neutral loam
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Coarse sand or grit for drainage Peat or acidifying sulfur if soil is too alkaline

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 8b-10a; tolerates mild winters but requires frost protection in colder regions

8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

3-6 months

Young transplant with sparse foliage establishing root system in first season

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from strong winds. Mulch lightly with sand, not bark.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-24 months

Upright, columnar growth with fine, needle-like foliage; plant fills out and gains height

Light pruning to encourage bushiness; avoid heavy pruning. Fertilize minimally or use low-nitrogen fertilizer. Water during dry spells.

3

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Tiny flowers appear along stems, typically pale pink or white, creating a delicate, airy appearance

Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer. Do not deadhead unless shape requires it; spent flowers are ornamental.

4

Mature Shrub

Year 3 onward

Fully developed plant reaching 3-6 feet tall with dense, feathery foliage and regular flowering cycles

Minimal pruning needed. Reduce water in winter. Monitor for spider mites in dry conditions. Remove any dead wood.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Gorse Heather (Calluna) Lavender Rosemary Cistus Santolina Thyme

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring heavy clay soil Plants preferring alkaline conditions Myrtle Hydrangea

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity by misting; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure good air circulation

  • Yellow sticky traps; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected plants; improve air circulation

Uses

🏠

Floral Arrangements & Cut Flowers

Household

The fine, feathery foliage and delicate flower spikes make excellent long-lasting additions to fresh and dried flower arrangements, adding texture and airiness to bouquets. [source]

🎨

Traditional Besom Brooms

Craft

Historically, besom heath stems were bundled and bound to create natural brooms. The flexible, pliable stems made durable, finely-bristled brooms valued for sweeping. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Bee Support

Wildlife

Heaths are important nectar sources for bees and other pollinators, particularly valuable in Mediterranean and dry-climate gardens where flowering plants are seasonally limited. [source]

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Ornamental Landscape Feature

Household

The fine texture, columnar form, and delicate flowers make besom heath an excellent choice for Mediterranean-style gardens, rock gardens, and well-drained borders, providing year-round visual interest. [source]

Harvest Tips

Besom heath is not harvested for food or typical medicinal use. Stems can be cut for fresh or dried floral arrangements in late spring or summer. For traditional besom-making, harvest mature woody stems in late summer or fall.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Besom heath was historically so important in southern Europe that entire hillsides were cultivated for commercial besom production; the plant was coppiced repeatedly to generate flexible new growth.
  • 🌱 The genus Erica contains over 800 species, making it one of the largest groups of flowering plants in the Mediterranean basin, with species found primarily in South Africa and Europe.
  • 🌱 Besom heath's fine, wiry stems are naturally low in water content and dry quickly, making them ideal for craft work and long-lasting dried arrangements without special preservation.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant
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