❆ ❆ ❆ What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #8: Heather ❆ ❆ ❆

nataliejohnson (64)in #gardening • 7 years ago

Winter Heather Can Stand Cold Weather!

Today's post is all about heather! There are so many varieties of this flowering plant but I'd like to hone in on the winter-blooming varieties for all you gardeners who are in desperate need of winter color. Heather was a definite pick to add to the list of plants to grow in winter because it can even bloom in the snow.

Yes, heather can actually bloom in the snow!

(Erica carnea)

Erica_darleyensis_en_hiver_(3).JPG

(Erica x darleyensis)

Interesting Facts About Heather

You'll be amazed to know that every heather flower contains 30 seeds. Therefore, each season, one heather plant has the potential to produces an impressive 150,000 seeds. While native to Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, Russia, and northern North America, you'll also see them in Western Europe, northeastern North America, and Siberia.

Winter-Blooming Heathers

Erica carnea:

calluna vulgaris:

Erica x darleyensis:

Erica_x_darleyensis_'Silberschmelze'_(Ericaceae)_detail.jpg

Erica erigena:

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Making Fresh Heather Wreaths

Tips for Growing Heather

Plant heather in a location that receives at least six hours of sun a day.
Plant it straight into the ground as a ground cover or plant it in pots. (As long as the ground is not frozen, you can plant heather)
Well-drained soil is a must for heather.
Prune heather after flowering stops.
Fertilizing should not be done on a schedule for this plant. Only fertilize when the plant shows lack of growth or poor foliage color.
Heather prefers acidic soil but this isn't a must for all heathers. Haven't ever tested your soil before? They make easy kits you can buy at Walmart, Lowes, and Amazon. It's like doing your own science project!

The Heather Society's guide has a great infographic to help you pick the best heather variety for your soil. Check it out.