How to Grow Wickwar Flame Heather
Wickwar Flame Heather
Erica x veitchii 'Wickwar Flame'
shrubWickwar Flame is a compact, evergreen heather hybrid prized for its vibrant orange-red foliage that intensifies in cool weather. This ornamental shrub produces delicate pink flowers and serves as an excellent year-round focal point in gardens and containers. It's a cultivar of the Cornish heather, known for its hardiness and low-maintenance requirements.
When should you plant Wickwar Flame Heather in your zone?
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Example Wickwar Flame Heather timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wickwar Flame Heather
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Wickwar Flame Heather
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-9; requires winter protection in colder zones
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Get my Wickwar Flame Heather timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 4-6 weeksYoung plant with sparse foliage, minimal color development
Water regularly to establish root system; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering. Plant in spring for best establishment.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksFoliage fills in, stems elongate, orange-red coloring begins to develop
Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier growth; maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
Flowering
Continuous, peak in fall and winterPink flowers appear amid vibrant orange-red foliage; color intensifies in cooler temperatures
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering over foliage; maintain excellent drainage
Winter Color
3-4 monthsFoliage becomes most intensely colored in deep orange-red; compact growth form
Minimize watering but maintain adequate moisture; apply light pruning after winter if needed; protect from heavy snow/ice in zone 8a
Spring Renewal
4-6 weeksNew growth emerges; old foliage may lighten slightly; fresh flower buds form
Light pruning to shape plant; resume regular watering; resume monthly feeding schedule
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation; maintain adequate humidity
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Prune affected branches; apply insecticidal soap; maintain plant vigor; avoid overhead watering
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Remove by hand if minor infestation; apply horticultural oil spray in dormant season; improve air circulation
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur fungicide or neem oil; remove infected growth
Uses
Winter Color & Year-Round Interest
OrnamentalThe vibrant orange-red foliage provides stunning color contrast in gardens, especially during autumn and winter when many plants fade. Its evergreen nature ensures visual interest throughout all seasons. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe colorful flowering stems and persistent foliage make excellent, long-lasting additions to fresh or dried floral arrangements. Winter-harvested stems are particularly prized by florists and crafters. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe small pink flowers attract bees and other pollinators, particularly during winter months when food sources are scarce. The evergreen structure also provides shelter for beneficial insects and small birds. [source]
Landscape Design Accent
CraftLow-maintenance growth habit and compact form make it ideal for foundation plantings, rock gardens, borders, and container gardens. Its color changes throughout seasons provide dynamic visual interest in designed landscapes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Wickwar Flame is grown ornamentally for foliage and flowers rather than harvested. Cut sprays of flowering stems for floral arrangements in fall and winter when color and blooms are most vibrant. Best cutting occurs after established growth in year 2+.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Wickwar Flame is named after Wickwar, a village in Gloucestershire, England, reflecting its British breeding heritage and the tradition of naming ornamental plants after their origins.
- 🌱 The foliage color intensifies during cold weather—a process called 'anthocyanin production'—making fall and winter the most visually spectacular seasons for this cultivar, unlike many plants that fade in cold.
- 🌱 Erica x veitchii hybrids are crosses between tender Erica verticillata and hardy Erica arborea, creating plants with the flowering abundance of tender types combined with improved cold hardiness.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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