How to Grow and Care for Heath and Heather

• All heathers grow nicely in acid soil similarly to rhododendrons and azaleas. If your soil is alkaline, adding peat moss will help to achieve an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5.
• Space heaths and heathers as far apart as their mature width and at least 2 ft. (60 cm) away from other shrubs to ensure good air circulation. 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 to 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 soil 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.

Heath and Heather: 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.

Heath and Heather: Fertilizer

Fertilizer is not necessary and may even be harmful to heathers. Heaths and heathers actually like poor soil. If the plants are not thriving, use a low fertilizer rate for acid-loving evergreen plants.