How to ensure lush heather blooms: A care guide for gardeners

They are often treated as a farewell to summer. Heather is almost a symbol of autumn. They decorate homes, apartments, and gardens. To enjoy their beauty, they need proper care. So, how do you care for heather to ensure they bloom intensely?

Heather is known primarily for its decorative value. Many species of heather exist, including common heather (Calluna vulgaris) and heaths (Erica).

Common heather is characterized by small, green leaves that turn pink, purple, or white in summer. On the other hand, heaths offer a wide palette of colours – from white through pink to intense purple.

Each of these species attracts attention with its unique colour and flower form.

Heather prefers acidic, well-drained soil. It thrives in heath gardens, where its small flowers create a picturesque carpet.

Proper watering is crucial for abundant blooming. Heather needs moist soil but does not tolerate excess water, which can lead to root rot. Therefore, a balance between regular and moderate watering is essential.

It is best to water heather with rainwater. Alternatively, you can use tap water after letting it sit for a few hours. It's important to remember that heather in gardens and pots does not tolerate spraying, so the water should be applied directly to the soil.

Lack of regular watering can cause heather to dry out. In such a case, you can try to save it by cutting off the dry branches, covering the plant with bark, and watering it according to the abovementioned principles. If new shoots appear, there is a chance for the plant to regenerate.

Heather grows best in sunny places, sheltered from strong winds. Placing it in the shade may cause it to not grow as well as we would like.

Additionally, heather should not be exposed to dry and warm air, so it is worth avoiding placing them near radiators.

It is also important to remember to protect heather from upcoming frosts in the fall. After the first frosts, cover the plants with conifer branches or garden fleece. Heather is a perennial plant that, under the right conditions, can decorate the garden for many years.