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Any walker crossing a tract of boggy land would do well to stay close to crops of bell heather, for in boggy areas the plant grows on the driest tussocks. Care must be taken, however, to distinguish the plant from cross-leaved heath, (Erica Tetralix) which is superficially similar but grows in wetter parts. Throughout Britain, bell heather thrives on poor, sandy and well-drained soils, often in the midst of generally damp areas. For a plant of dampish habitats, the bell heather has unusual leaves, which appear to be adapted for extremely dry conditions. The edges of its leaves are tightly rolled and the leaves themselves have a very thick 'cuticle' or protective surface layer to conserve moisture. Like most of the heathers, bell heather has been taken into cultivation. It is a gardener's delight easy to grow, and giving of its best in places where the soil is poor in nutrients. The 'wild' bell heather is the most vividly coloured of the cultivated types, but there are many other varieties, ranging in colour from white to crimson. Since these varieties flower at different times, it is possible by choosing carefully to have bell heather flowering in the garden most of the year round. Extract from the Reader's Digest Field Guide to Wild Flowers |
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