Tree heath is one of those “set it and forget it” plants that thrives all year long with very little fuss. But once those temperatures start to dip, this Mediterranean beauty starts feeling the chill. Since it’s a sun-lover by nature, it really struggles with our frosty winters. When the cold hits, your little tree needs a cozy spot indoors and a bit of extra TLC to make it through to spring.
Does it really need winter protection?
To understand why tree heath is so sensitive, you have to look at its roots. It hails from the Mediterranean and North Africa, and it’s a signature sight in the Canary Islands. Because of that heritage, it’s used to basking in the sun. For this plant, a typical Northern winter is just too much to handle. That’s why you’ll rarely see it growing wild north of the Alps—the only place in Northern Europe it really feels at home is in the unusually mild pockets of Ireland.
Quick Tip: Don’t confuse tree heath with the low-growing heather you see carpeting moors in Northern Germany. As the name suggests, this variety can grow into a massive 20-foot shrub in the right conditions! However, our cooler climate usually keeps it in check, so expect it to reach about 3 feet tall in a home garden.
How to overwinter your Tree Heath
The good news is that you can absolutely keep your tree heath happy for years; you just need the right strategy. I always recommend growing them in containers. Most garden centers sell them this way anyway, and it makes your life so much easier when it’s time to move them inside for the season.
Overwintering in Pots
Now, overwintering tree heath (Erica arborea) is a little different than your average patio plant. While a dark basement works for some species, it’s a no-go for this one—it needs light! The perfect spot is a bright, sun-drenched greenhouse or a sunroom where the temperature stays safely above freezing.
Overwintering in the Garden
There are a few hardy varieties out there that can technically survive down to about 14°F (-10°C). Still, I wouldn’t recommend playing “temperature roulette” with your plants. If you’ve planted yours directly in the ground, you’ll need to bundle it up:
- Cover the root ball with a thick layer of brushwood.
- Pine or fir branches work great as an alternative.
- Wrap the top of the plant in garden fleece or burlap.
Wrapping your plant in fleece helps reduce its water needs by blocking out some of the direct sun. Just keep in mind there’s one downside: tree heath blooms very early in the year, sometimes while it’s still freezing outside! If you don’t want to miss that gorgeous display, look for the ‘Albert’s Gold’ variety—it has a slightly longer blooming season so you have a better chance of catching the show.
