Where to Plant

Heathers are best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Most varieties do best in well-drained, slightly acid soil. Soil may be amended with Gardener & Bloome Acid Planting Mix to shift the pH.

How to Plant

Prepare a hole at least twice the width of the heather root ball. Make sure heather plant is well-watered before planting. Set in a bucket of water for 15-20 minutes to make sure the entire root ball is saturated. Score down the sides of the root ball from top to bottom at least 4 times and an "X" on the bottom. Lightly rough up the outer roots. Plant so top of root ball is at the same level as the top of the soil bed. Fill around the root ball with a mix of amended soil and native soil to the ratio of 2/3 native soil and 1/3 Gardener & Bloome Acid Planting Mix. Water plant in thoroughly. Plant 12-30" apart, depending on the variety and landscape effect desired.

Care After Planting
DO NOT ALLOW PLANT TO DRY OUT!
This is by far the most common reason for plant loss. Until the root ball grows out into the surrounding soil, you must make sure the original heather root ball stays moist enough.
Keep mulch away from the stem and crown of the plant. Just mulch between plants.

Pruning
Pruning should be done after flowering or very early in spring before new growth starts. Cut back to just below previos seasons blossoms and shape the plant. This should be done every year to extend the life of the plant and keep it from getting "leggy".

Fertilizing
Light applications of rhododendron type fertilizers in early spring are recommended. Fertilizer should not be applied to the foliage and should be kept at least two inches from the stem of the plant. Granular fertilizers are best to sprinkle around the plant.