Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Erica arborea f. aureifolia 'Estrella Gold'
Estrella Gold Tree Heather
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Small white to creamy white urn shaped flowers
- Foliage color
- Bright golden yellow fine needle like foliage on vertical upright spires
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Average well drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees and other early season pollinating insects
About this plant
Erica arborea f. aureifolia 'Estrella Gold' produces airy clusters of small, urn-shaped white flowers in late winter to early spring, the delicate blooms opening along the upright branches. The blossoms appear among fine, needle-like leaves colored bright golden yellow that soften to chartreuse tones as the season progresses. Vertical stems create a narrow, upright framework, and the dense evergreen foliage forms a soft, feathery texture throughout the year.
This cultivar traces its heritage to Erica arborea native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western Europe. In gardens it brings year-round structure to borders, heather plantings, and sunny landscapes where the golden foliage and early flowers add seasonal brightness.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Mediterranean Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Winter Interest
Companion plants
Catmint · Feather reed grass · Salvias · Coneflowers · Lavenders · Sedums
Design tip
Golden needle-like foliage and narrow vertical stems give this heather a distinctive upright texture throughout the year. Use it to introduce warm color among silvery or deep green Mediterranean foliage, where the airy white flowers provide a lighter contrast during late winter and early spring.
