Heather is an overlooked plant that can perform well in most gardens even though they generally prefer an acidic soil. They are evergreen plants that flower in pinks, purples and white.

Planting Heather.

• Take into account how much space the mature plant will consume.
• An average heather plant will grow to be between 8 and 20 inches tall  and two to three feet wide.
• Plant them at least three feet apart for a better shape and easier pruning
• Keep at least two feet away from other shrubs to encourage good air circulation.
• For ground cover use low-growing heather and  plant them about a foot part.
• Heather can be planted anytime the ground is not frozen.
• Heaths and Heathers prefer full sun and well-drained, acidic soil. To prevent dessication provide protection from cold winter winds.
• Heather should be planted so the root-ball is level with the soil surface.

Growing Heather

• Heather should be pruned or trimmed each year immediately after they have finished flowering.
• Poor foliage color, or stunted growth could indicate the need for feeding.
• The best time to feed is in late winter or late spring with an ericaceus feed but this is often unnecessary and dangerous as heathers ‘burn’ easily.
• Take cuttings from existing heather plants in July or August when the wood is “half ripe”.
• If plants look straggly cover lower branches with peat or good compost.
• Heather is reasonably long lived if given some care.

Read top 10 reasons for growing Heather

Heather in Yorkshire