Known as both 'Mary Helen' and 'Darley Dale' heath, this Erica is a winner when it comes to adding color and texture to the year-round garden. Smaller than some other heathers, this variety forms a compact mound up to 12 inches tall and a bit wider, making it a great choice for borders, hanging baskets, and container planters. Because it hugs the ground, 'Mary Helen' works well as a ground cover that deer seem to avoid. Pink flowers in late winter to early spring add cheer to a dreary time of year, and the green and chartreuse foliage provide a nice contrast to broadleaf plants any time of the year. Pollinators enjoy the flowers as much as humans, providing food at a lean time of year.