Is Red Heather Drought-Tolerant?

Moisture

• "Kramer's Red" prefers soil that is consistently moist, even wet, though the plant should not be watered to the point of flooding. Newly planted heathers should be watered once or twice a week; the quickest way to kill heather plants is to allow them to dry out or to drown them. Once established, you can reduce watering. Regular irrigation is important to help the plant form a deep, healthy root system.

Location

• "Kramer's Red" may be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 8, where it will grow in either full or partial sunlight. Flowering is maximized in full sunlight, though the plant may burn if not given enough moisture. Some afternoon shade or dappled shade may be helpful in the southern end of the plant's range. If planting multiple heathers, provide about 3 1/2 feet of space between each plant.

Soil

• Heathers are tolerant of alkaline soil, though an ideal soil will be enhanced with organic matter such as rotted fir bark, shredded leaves or garden compost. Manure is too rich and mushroom compost is too sweet for heathers. Good drainage is essential and will help keep the plant from rotting. You can retain moisture in the soil by applying 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch over the root zone during planting time.

Features

• With its dense, compact habit, evergreen leaves and bright flowers, "Kramer's Red" makes an excellent border or ground cover. Monrovia recommends planting the shrub in the acidic soils around a conifer grove or using it in the garden as a naturalizing element. Heathers are generally avoided by pests such as slugs and deer. The shrub can be kept neat and tidy with a little pruning, best done right after flowering to keep from accidentally cutting off next year's flower buds.