Brilliant blooms of the heather flower attract gardeners to this low-growing evergreen shrub. Various performances result from growing heather. The size and forms of the shrub vary greatly and many colors of the blooming heather flower exist. Common heather (Calluna vulgaris) is native to the moors and bogs of Europe and may be difficult to grow in some areas of the United States. However, gardeners continue planting heather for its spectacular form and foliage and for the racemes of the heather flower.
How to Care for Heather
The heather flower appears in midsummer to midfall on this low-growing groundcover shrub. Heather plant care usually should not include pruning, as this may disturb the natural look of growing heather. Scotch heather plant care does not include heavy watering once the plant is established, usually after the first year. However, the shrub is not drought-tolerant in all landscape situations. After being established, heather is picky about water requirements, needing about an inch (2.5 cm.) per week, including rainfall and supplemental irrigation. Too much water can cause roots to rot, but the soil should remain consistently moist. The heather flower is tolerant of sea spray and resistant to deer. Growing heather requires acidic, sandy, or loamy soil that is well-drained and provides protection from damaging winds. The attractive, changing foliage of this specimen of the Ericaceae family is another reason for planting heather. Forms of foliage will vary with the type of heather you plant and with the age of the shrub. Many cultivars of heather offer changing, brilliant, and colorful foliage at different times of the year. Some sources report that growing heather is limited to USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 6, while others include zone 7. Any zones further south are said to be too hot for the heather shrub. Some sources find difficulties with the plant's vigor and blame it on soil, moisture content, and wind. Yet, gardeners continue planting heather and experimenting with how to care for heather with enthusiasm for the attractive, long-blooming groundcover shrub.
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
-
What Is A Water Wick? How To Use One To Keep Houseplants Hydrated While You’re AwayA water wick for plants will give you a worry-free break if you need to leave your plant babies for a while. It’s easy to set up and pretty much runs itself.
-
Heather Is Blooming In The Winter: Flowering Triggers For Winter HeatherAre you wondering why your heather is blooming in the winter? This low growing, flowering evergreen shrub may be blooming in winter due to its variety or flowering triggers. To learn more about winter heather blooms and varieties, click the following article.
-
Plants That Grow With Heather – Tips On Companion Planting With HeatherHeathers and heaths make a swath of tones and foliage with easy appeal and graceful texture. Adding some dimension to such plantings further enhances the garden area and increases interest year around. Click here for common heather companion plants.
-
Propagating Heather Plants: How Do I Propagate Heather PlantsHeather is a popular perennial shrub in northern gardens. Heather plant propagating is relatively simple, if quite slow. This article explains more about propagating heather plants.
