When do you plant heather

Fruit Trees. Rhubarb Plants. Weed Control Fabrics. Propagation Materials. Gardening Advice. Any Questions? Call Ordering Information. Heathers are the ideal plants for low maintenance gardens. Work in damp peat moss or other acidic soil amendments , particularly if your soil is pH neutral 6. Till or loosen the soil and dig holes twice as wide as each plant's root ball to encourage roots to spread. Without good drainage , these plants just won't grow.

For clay soil which provides neither the right pH nor proper drainage , build a raised bed with equal parts topsoil, sand, and composted bark or peat moss, which will create acidic soil that properly drains. For boggy soil which may be the right pH but too wet , make a modest berm.

Shear newly purchased plants to encourage bushiness, and plant in spring or early autumn. Water twice a week for the first several months so the ground is moist but not soggy. This will encourage rapid, vigorous growth to get plants established. Apply a mulch of your choice, preferably an acidic one such as pine straw, peat moss, or leaf mold. After two or three years, heathers and heaths are generally drought-tolerant and can take care of themselves.

Space the plants about as far apart as the plant's mature width to allow air circulation, which is important for good foliage growth and color but close enough so the plants will eventually mound together. If you are planting in Zones , Lortz recommends whorled heath Erica manipuliflora ; 'Korcula' is a good cultivar. Allow for a minimum of six hours of sun a day for best foliage effect. The foliage will be best on the south side of the plant, especially for red varieties.

Six or more hours of sun are also recommended with afternoon shade in hotter areas. Too much shade makes the plants leggy and dulls the brilliance of those that have colorful foliage. Avoid situating plants in areas that receive harsh winter winds; as evergreens, they suffer severe dehydration.

Or apply a winter mulch such as evergreen boughs. In areas with deep snow cover, plants will be fine. Heaths and heathers actually like poor soil. Giving annual doses of fertilizer is deadlier than not giving any at all. Fertilize once with rhododendron feed upon planting—then leave your plants alone.

About the only work you need to do is give them a yearly shearing. This is best done in the spring before any buds have set or, for winter bloomers, after the flowers have faded. Calluna vulgaris should be cut back below the old flowers; the Erica spp.

Unless otherwise noted, heathers Calluna vulgaris are hardy in Zones and are no more than 2 feet high and slightly more as wide. Heaths tolerate more heat than do heathers and are generally good choices for Southern regions, though they dislike extremely humid areas. Green Space. How to Grow Heathers and Heaths. Read More.

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Heath and Heathers: Planting Heather may be planted in the fall or early spring , so the plants may become established. Heather needs at least a half-day of sun minimum of six hours of sun a day. Full sun is better as the foliage colors intensify when fully exposed. Too much shade makes the plants leggy and affects the brilliance of their color.

These plants require good drainage. If your soil is heavy, a hillside , raised bed or mound of soil can help improve drainage. Most thrive in growing zones Not sure about your growing zone? Check here. If your soil is alkaline, adding peat moss will help to achieve an ideal pH of 4. Space heaths and heathers as far apart as their mature width and at least 2 ft.

This is important for good foliage growth and color Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and half again as deep. Make vertical cuts the length of the root ball and across the bottom. Break up the roots and work in some soil. Water the plant once or twice a week when the soil is dry throughout the first season. The soils should be moist but not soggy. This will encourage rapid and vigorous growth of the plants.

Once established, the plants are drought tolerant and rarely need watering. Mulch heathers after planting. Erica x darleyensis 'Ghost Hills' Erica x darleyensis 'Arthur Johnson' Erica x darleyensis 'Kramer's Red' Click here to compare all Heath and Heather varieties Heath and Heathers: Pruning Summer bloomers : Pruning is essential and should occur in late fall or early spring, below the old flowers on the branch.

Round and shape the plant. Winter bloomers : Shear lightly in spring, immediately after blooming. If your plants die out in the center, shearing will keep them alive and growing. Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest.