Erica arborea – Tree Heather – Albert’s Gold & Estrella Gold
Higher than wider the tree heathers originated from the Mediterranean area but produce stately plants in the UK.
Erica arborea ‘Albert’s Gold’ is a heath with sparse, slightly scented white flowers in Mar-May. It is generally grown for the yellow foliage that is brightest in winter and spring.
Albert’s Gold was originally found as a sport on Erica arborea alpina by Albert Turner. This also flowers white during spring in close cylindrical inflorescences but with mid-green foliage. Collected in central Spain by the German, Georg Dieck, over 100 years ago!
Both varieties have an AGM and grow 3 feet high with a 2 foot spread
‘Estrella Gold’ according to the UK Heather Society has ‘white flowers in profusion from April-May, with lime green foliage with bright yellow new growth. Broad compact habit. Hardy. Found in Sierra da Estrela, Coimbra, Portugal in 1972 by R. Zwijnenburg and introduced first in the Netherlands.’ Its strong colour contrast helped earn it an AGM.