Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting by rubbing finger and thumb down the stem. Often heel cuttings of this type are difficult to find, in which case the stems below flowering shoots can be used, provided the spacing between the tufts of leaves does not exceed 2mm. Cut these from the plant in a similar way to that described for July Calluna cuttings, but as roots usually only appear from the base of the cutting, make sure the lower cut is made immediately below a tuft of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. The time it takes to do this varies considerably.
Roots appear two to three weeks later.
It only rarely roots around nodules, which may account for the increased difficulty most propagators have with this species. Erica mackaiana and Erica tetralix These species root in a similar manner to Erica cinerea . Erica mackaiana and Erica tetralix cuttings are best taken during July and August using non-flowering heel cuttings about 1 to 2cm long, which are usually plentiful. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting as described above. Erica x darleyensis, Erica erigena and Erica vagans These species root in a similar way to Erica carnea .