Heaths and Heathers Plant
Profile
Heaths (Ericas)
and heathers (Callunas) are members
of the Ericaceae family. They are evergreen, with bell-like flowers, and share
similar cultural needs. Winter-blooming heathers, the Ericas, are called
heaths. The Heaths have needle-like leaves in whorls, while the Heathers have
scale-like leaves, similar to junipers.
The flower colors range from white through light pink, into deep
pinks, reds, and purples. The foliage comes in a wide range of green and bronze
tones. They do well in rock gardens and on slopes. They are often used in
groupings as a ground cover as well as a small specimen shrub at the front of a
border or in containers.
They prefer acid soils like their relatives in the Ericaceae
family -- the rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries. They are generally hardy
to USDA Zones 4-7.
The best time to plant them is in early spring or fall to
give them plenty of time to get established before the extreme heat or cold
sets in. Water them well for their first year and keep them mulched. They are
fairly drought-tolerant once established and do not require fertilizer.
Winter-blooming heaths need four things: good air
circulation, excellent drainage, acid soil (a pH range of 4.5-6), and at least
six hours of sun. They also like protection from drying winter winds and
afternoon shade in hot regions.
Heaths and Heathers can be found all over the world, except
Antarctica. The Ericas we grow in our gardens come mainly from Western Europe
and the Mediterranean.
Heaths and Heathers look great combined in the landscape
with Witch Hazels, dwarf conifers, Crocus, Daffodils, Winter Aconite,
Hellebores, and Snowdrops.
Prune just as this year’s flowers are ending and sheer them
back all over for a fuller, more compact look. Cutting back at a later time
results in the loss of blooms.
Heaths and Heathers are considered deer-resistant. They are
loved by bees and are a great source of nectar in late winter.
Heaths and Heathers : You Can Grow That!
The video was produced
by Washington Gardener Magazine.
Audio, Photos, and Text by Kathy Jentz
Video and Editing by Hojung Ryu
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