Erica vagans Mrs. D. F. Maxwell

Mrs. D. F. Maxwell Heather

Erica vagans ‘Mrs. D.F. Maxwell’ — commonly called Cornish Heath — is a low-growing, evergreen shrub valued for its vibrant summer blooms and fine-textured foliage. It forms a dense, upright-spreading mound of needle-like, dark green foliage that provides year-round interest. In mid to late summer, it produces abundant spikes of small, bell-shaped rosy-purple flowers that add strong color during the warm season, extending the interest of heathers into summer.

Mature Size:
Width: 18–30 in
Height: 12–24 in

USDA Zones: 6a–8b
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, acidic soils; tolerant of poorer, sandy soils
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established, but prefers consistent moisture in well-drained soils

Wildlife: Attracts bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Low, upright-spreading evergreen shrub with a fine texture
Excellent for rock gardens, slopes, edging, and mass plantings
Provides strong summer color, complementing winter-blooming heaths
Evergreen foliage offers year-round interest
Performs well in dry, well-drained sites

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

Plant type

Flowering evergreen shrub

Height

12-24"

Width

18-30"

Hardiness zones

6–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Fall, Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Normal, Well Drained

Landscape use

Container, Erosion control slopes, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Mounding

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No