Of the three common UK heathers Calluna vulgaris( Ling or Heather), Erica tetralix (Cross-leaved Heath) and Erica cinerea (Bell Heather) this is the most spectacular. It is earlier flowering than the other two - you can see some flowers in mid Spring but dwelling on the attractive flowers of an individual isn't the major effect this plant has. See the side of a hill covered in this stunning purple and you will know what I mean. This Heather wasn't uncommon on the sandstone of Cheshire but is much reduced because people take it for their gardens.
Cwm Idwal 25th July 2002
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Added on December 10th 2004