Native to South Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean region, the genus Erica contains over 800 species, but the most commonly grown are the winter heaths. These evergreen shrubs are compact and mound-forming, typically growing up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. 

Their needle-like leaves are usually dark green. Their tubular flowers come in a variety of colors, like white, pink, and purple, and bloom from late winter to early spring. Some types of heath continue to flower intermittently throughout the year. They are hardy in USDA zones 5-7. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.