Heather is a very graceful plant. With a little attention, willingness and commitment they will create a colorful corner in your garden. In natural conditions, they usually occur in clusters, forming heathlands. In garden conditions, freely manage the planting of heather, composing various compositions. Flowering heather is a harbinger of autumn. Their long, purple or white inflorescence stems abundantly covered with small bell-shaped flowers wonderfully fill the garden. Even when the heather is not in bloom, the garden is decorated with cold green leaves of amazing shapes.
Heather varieties
Varieties of heather in the world are really many. They differ from each other quite significantly, so it is worth planting several varieties of this wonderful plant in the garden. Heather varieties differ from each other:
- leaf color – the leaves shimmer in orange, gold, silver gray, light green, dark green
- leaf texture – from smooth to suede-like
- height – the shrubs of the lowest variety (White Lawn) have about 10cm, lying stems, and the highest (Longe White) reach up to 40cm in height
- flower color – a mix of white, pink, purple and violet flowers is sure to look very impressive
- thetiming of flowering – the earliest varieties bloom as early as July, and the later ones keep flowers even until the end of October
- flower structure – depending on the variety there are full or single flowers. Some varieties do not develop flowers, so they retain a vivid, intense color
Conditions for growing heather
First of all, remember that heather needs a suitable, acidic soil. It is worth taking care of the proper fertility and permeability of the soil, and if the substrate is extremely clayey, it may be necessary to pick about 20-30cm of soil and supplement it with a suitable mixture. The root system of heather is quite shallow, so after planting it will be necessary to bedding. Otherwise, water will evaporate from the soil too quickly. Adequate humidity is extremely important for heather. If possible, choose a bright and secluded position. If you have the opportunity to plant heather on a slight hill, you will avoid the situation in which the plants would stand in water for a long time. Such conditions will make the plant overwinter well, grow wonderfully and be less vulnerable to pests such as gray mold.
Care of heather
Dueto its shallow root system, heather should be watered frequently and abundantly, preferably in the early morning. This should be taken care of especially when the plants are taking root. Excessive fertilization is not very good for heather. It is best to choose slow-release fertilizers and spread them around the plants in early spring right after pruning the shrubs. In order to ensure abundant flowering of heather before the growing season, the inflorescence shoots should be pruned below the flower line. Propagation of heather is as possible, but not very profitable. A beautifully propagated heather seedling does not cost too much. Overwintering in the ground is possible as much as possible, but especially in snowless winters, heather is better covered with conifer branches.
Advantages of growing heather
- beautifully fill empty space in the garden
- they will stand out wonderfully among green friends
- they will introduce some color into the garden
- the leaves decorate the garden even when the heather does not bloom
- the mix of different varieties will make the garden look unusual
- flowers are very durable, they do not droop or fall prematurely
- perfectly find themselves on a slightly sloping terrain
- relatively easy to grow
 | Author of the publication Theauthor of the article is the Garden Guide Shop. |