The Site Gardener

Plant Library

Explore 4,545 plants, with photos and growing details.

Back to Tools

← Back to plant results

Erica Kramers Red

Kramers Red Heather

Erica × darleyensis ‘Kramer’s Red’ — commonly called Darley Dale Heath — is a low-growing, evergreen shrub valued for its rich rosy-red winter blooms and reliable, spreading habit. It forms a dense, mounding plant of fine, needle-like dark green foliage that often develops attractive bronze tones in colder weather, adding year-round interest. From mid-winter into early spring, it produces abundant, small, bell-shaped deep rosy-red flowers that provide bold color during the colder months.

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 bold 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
5–8
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom time
Early Winter, Fall, Late Fall, Late Winter, Winter
Flower color
Amaranth
Leaf color
Green
Fall color
Green
Attracts
Bees
Soil
Normal, Well Drained
Landscape use
Container, Erosion control slopes, Mass Planting
Shape
Low Mounding
Fragrant
Yes
Deer resistant
Yes
Drought tolerant
No