Erica, the heaths or heathers, is a genus of approximately 860 species of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. The English common names “heath” and “heather” are shared by some closely related genera of similar appearance. Most of the species are small shrubs from 20-150cm high, though some are taller. All are evergreen, with minute needle-like leaves 2-15 mm long. Flowers are usually outward or downward facing and are borne in mass. The plants are grown as landscape or garden plants for their floral effect. At least 660 of the species are endemic to South Africa, and these are often called the Cape heaths, forming the largest genus in the fynbos. The remaining species are native to other parts of Africa, Madagascar, the Mediterranean region, and Europe.

Erica blandfordia grows to 80cm in height. During summer this Erica is covered in dense heads of yellow urn-shaped flowers. It prefers cool dry areas and makes an excellent cut flower.