Erica darlyensis Silbersmelze

Silbersmieze Heather

Erica × darleyensis ‘Silberschmelze’ — commonly called Darley Dale Heath — is a low-growing, evergreen shrub valued for its crisp white winter blooms and reliable, spreading habit. It forms a dense mound of fine, needle-like dark green foliage that may develop bronze tones in colder weather, providing year-round interest. From mid-winter into early spring, it produces abundant, small, bell-shaped pure white flowers that brighten the landscape during the cold season.

Mature Size:
Width: 18–30 in
Height: 12–18 in

USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soils; more tolerant of neutral soils than other heathers
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but requires good drainage

Wildlife: Attracts bees, especially early-season pollinators

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Low, spreading, evergreen shrub with a mounding habit
Excellent for mass plantings, slopes, edging, and rock gardens
Provides bright winter to early spring color
More adaptable to a wider range of soils than many heathers
Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest

Maintenance:
Shear lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
Avoid heavy pruning into old wood
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot

Plant type

Flowering evergreen shrub

Height

12-18''

Width

18-30"

Hardiness zones

6–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Winter, Fall, Late Fall, Late Winter, Winter

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Erosion control slopes, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No