Channelled heath

Channelled heath is a South African evergreen shrub with fine green foliage and clusters of small pink flowers. In open, sunny sites it tends to remain a branched shrub; in sheltered forest-margin conditions it can develop into a much taller, tree-like plant. ## Form and season The [South African National Biodiversity Institute account](https://pza.sanbi.org/erica-canaliculata) describes plants about 6–10 feet tall in compact, open-grown settings and notes that specimens can reach roughly 16 feet at forest margins. The small, cup-shaped flowers are most abundant from November through February in its southern African range, and the cut stems have a noticeable fragrance. ## Siting and care Provide full sun or a bright position with some direct sun, and use acidic, well-drained soil. The species is associated with moist flats and lower slopes, so do not let container-grown plants dry completely. Its evergreen foliage and flower display suit a spacious border or a large container. ## Maintenance Prune regularly after flowering to keep the shrub branched and compact, and use a light hand so the plant retains a natural shape. Flowering branches can be cut for arrangements. The [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6602/erica-canaliculata/details) provides additional cultivation context.