Broadleaf evergreen ground cover/shrub, to 2 ft (60 cm), with equal or greater spread, multistemmed.  Similar to Erica carnea, but taller, more vigorous and with better frost hardiness. Leaves needle-like, to 13 mm, in whorls.  Flowers white to rose, appear in late fall and may continue until mid-spring (i.e., winter blooming).  Many cultivars, plant habit ranges from dense, compact to open and upright, and flower colors range from white to shades of pink and purple.

Survives in poor growing conditions, even alkaline soils.  Needs good drainage.