This Christmas tree decorates itself - Brief Article

Sunset, Dec, 1999

As perfect as a sheared Douglas fir, this tabletop tree comes with its own ornaments: hundreds of tiny white flowers that make the best natural flocking yet. The blooms and the tiny green and white needles give the plant's real identity away: It's a Christmas heather (Erica canaliculata) that's been sheared into a classic Christmas tree shape by the grower. You'll find this plant at garden centers, florists, and supermarkets around the West this month.

This South African native loves sun, so give it a spot indoors that gets plenty of light. This plant is too tender to survive outdoors in Sunset zones 1-3.

If you have an exceptionally good indoor environment (like a sunroom), try growing Christmas heather as a container plant, repotting it as it grows. Never let the soil dry out; in spring and fall, feed lightly with acid fertilizer. In fall and winter, expect pink flowers in sun or white flowers in filtered shade. (To force white blooms for Christmas, the grower allows the plant to flower under shadecloth.) - J.M.