Bell heather

Those expecting a continuation of the Scottish theme might have jumped to the conclusion that this is common heather (or ling). However, this is bell-heather, or Erica cinerea growing in the garden of the Trust headquarters in Brighton. Ling is sometimes referred to as summer heather and Erica species as winter heather. The former has small scale-like leaves and four-part corolla and calyx (compared to Erica which have five). Both have been developed by horticulturists for ornamental use in gardens, with many cultivars to chose from.
It belongs to the Ericales order which includes tea, persimmon, rhododendron, blueberry, brazil nut, cranberry, azaleas and camellias. Primrose is also in this order.