Erica blanda Ericaceae Don Mahoney, San Francisco Many South African ericas are strikingly beautiful but difficult to grow. This species, however, is both beautiful and so far, easy to grow. It has soft grey-green needle like leaves and 1 inch long soft pink flowers in abundance on upright stems to 3 or 4 feet. Like most ericas it needs sandy well-drained yet acid soil. When well-established it is drought tolerant if in partial shade but needs occasional supplemental water in full sun. Like most South Africans it is hardy only to light frosts. . Photo by