Bell Heather
Erica cinerea
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Bell Heather flowers earlier than Heather (Calluna) and has a richer, deeper purple-crimson colour. It's a plant of drier, free-draining heath — it doesn't tolerate waterlogging and tends to grow on the better-drained ridges and slopes. On the Ainsdale dune heath it grows alongside Heather in mixed patches, the two often intermingling. The leaves are in whorls of three (Calluna has scale-like leaves) — a useful distinguishing feature.
At a Glance
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Habitat | Dune heath · Dry heathland · Coastal heath on free-draining acid soil |
| UK population | Common on heathland in England, Wales and Scotland |
| Sefton Coast | Present in the dune heath at Ainsdale NNR alongside Heather |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune heath at Ainsdale NNR — grows with Heather but flowers earlier and has darker, richer colour.
Identification
Low shrub. Deeper crimson-purple than Heather. Leaves in whorls of three (not scale-like as Calluna). Larger bell-shaped flowers. Flowers July–September, before Calluna's peak.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the Ainsdale dune heath in July. Bell Heather's deeper purple flowers appear first — look for the earlier and darker plants among the paler Calluna.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell Bell Heather from Common Heather?
Flower colour is helpful — Bell Heather is richer, deeper crimson-purple; Heather (Calluna) is softer pink-purple. The most reliable feature is the leaves: Bell Heather has leaves in whorls of three; Heather (Calluna) has tiny, overlapping scale-like leaves. Bell Heather also flowers slightly earlier, from July, while Calluna peaks in August–September.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.