Sorry, never heard of it.

I just got one today at Lowe's for 50 cents because it had been over watered and almost dead. They are a Tropical Plant that needs full sun and VERY well draining soil. They said they cannot handle having their roots wet and that you pretty much just ignore them. I don't know if mine will live, but hope this info helps for yours. :)

Was it tagged with Latin name?

Likely it is not an Erica or Calluna.

Erica persoluta is grown as a potted gift plant and isn't hardy outdoors in most of the USA but it needs a lot of water and not being ignored. Should be tossed after it is done blooming in most cases.

Check this out that I found on the web. I gave one to a friend for May Day. she loved it. Here is a site that tells all about the plant and how to care for it. http://www.gardenguides.com/84832-italian-heather-plant-care.html

I have never heard of Mediterranean heather (Erica darleyensis) called Italian heather. I sure hate common names....

IF this is what the OP is asking about, they are not tropical plants but are hardy heaths. Mediterranean Pink and Mediterranean White are two of the most commonly sold heather plants in big box stores and nurseries.

They are not houseplants and should be planted outdoors in full sun.

I just got one today and looked up how to care for it. It prefers full sunlight and grows in 55 to 80 degree tempuatures. Its best to plant outdoors in peat moss or compost. It also said that clay soil is fatal to it.

There are not many places in the US where this could be grown outside......some areas of SoCal perhaps but that's about it. Any east coast zone 10 or 11 will have much too high a summer humidity for it. I would consider this more of temporary houseparent as it won't tolerate indoor conditions for long either.