Heather Planting Outdoors

Growing Conditions

• Heather is suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 6. It performs best in poor, acidic soil with a pH below 6.0. In rich soil, the plant may become leggy and overgrown. Good drainage is critical, as heather is prone to disease in waterlogged soil. The species doesn't tolerate clay and often doesn't survive. However, it does especially well in sandy soil that has been amended generously with compost and peat moss. Plant heather in a protected spot, as strong winds can damage the plant.

Planting

• Heather is at its best in informal, natural landscapes without many hard, straight edges. Although a single heather plant is attractive in a small garden, a relatively dense planting of four plants for every square yard of planting space creates a bold effect. Unless your climate is extremely hot and dry, plant heather where it is exposed to full sunlight all day. In hot climates, the plant tolerates light afternoon shade. To plant heather, dig a hole at least two to three times the width of the root ball. Place the heather in the hole so that the lowest branches rest on the surface of the soil. Water immediately after planting, providing enough water to saturate the roots.

After Planting

• For heather, consistency is important. It's critical that the soil doesn't become either bone dry or waterlogged. As a general rule, water heather at least once a once a week; more often in hot, dry weather. Water to soak the soil to about 6 inches, then let the soil dry slightly before watering again. Spread a thin layer of compost or mulch around the plants every spring to moderate soil temperature and moisture. Otherwise, no fertilizer is required, and fertilizing may result in weak, floppy plants with few blooms.

Maintenance

• Prune heather after flowering ends in spring to keep the plant compact and neat. Without annual pruning, the plant often becomes leggy and unattractive. Shear spent spikes, but don't cut into bare wood, as old wood doesn't often produce new growth. Remove weeds as they appear, to keep the bed looking neat and tidy, and to prevent the weeds from sapping nutrients from the heather. A layer of mulch helps keeps weeds in check.

Insects

• Heather is sometimes bothered by scale and spider mites. Insecticidal soap spray is a safe and effective treatment, especially if the plants are sprayed as soon as you notice the pests. Insecticidal soap spray is preferred over pesticides. Because the spray kills only on contact, it isn't as damaging for beneficial pests such as lady beetles and lacewings. Spray the heather thoroughly, wetting as much of the plant as possible. Repeat every four to seven days, because the spray has no residual effect.