Heathers. Growing & Caring help needed

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Nigalius, Feb 20, 2015.

  1. Nigalius

    Nigalius Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Messages:
    43
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Took early retirement
    Location:
    NE Scotland. 6 miles North of Montrose
    Ratings:
    +100
    Hi, I live in the NE of Scotland in a mobile home about 1/2 mile from the sea. The soil here is poor and I have most things growing in pots.

    I have 23 Heathers, (sorry I have not put photos but can do if required). They are all growing in Ericasious (sp) soil. Facing south. It can be very windy here and cold too but they seem to survive, some better than others. I dont really feed them as my thought is that Heather growing in the wild does not get fed. They have all now been pruned and I have tried to re-shape them. I have some questions, hope its not too many.

    When should I have pruned them?
    Should they be fed and if so, what is the best feed?
    Will I have much success growing them in pots (about 15 inch pots)?
    How much watering should I give in the Hot Weather? (Yes, we do get it hot here occasionally)
    Are there any other tips that might help me?
    Does it help to talk to them :snork: (I had to put that one in, hahaha, only joking though.
     
    Nigalius, Feb 20, 2015
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2012
    Messages:
    27,739
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Public Transport
    Location:
    At me 'puter, GCHQ Ashford Office, Middlesex
    Ratings:
    +52,143
    You might want to try adding peat moss, or peat based compost which is acidic in nature (similar to the ericaceous stuff you have them in at the moment) - my mum has a saying "Peat and heather go together" - which of course is true, as you will know when you look at the places that heather grows in the wild.

    The areas where heather is seen thriving appear to me to be naturally water retentive, so I suspect that they will be wanting regular watering during summer periods. You might also want to feed occasionally with Sulphate of Iron which should hopefully counteract the nutrients being washed out of the compost by watering.

    It is also worth bearing in mind that domestic water tends to contain varying levels of calcium carbonate (more so in hard water areas) - calcium is one of the alkali metals, so the act of watering with mains water could also be reducing the acidity of the compost
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
      Fat Controller, Feb 20, 2015
      #2 Quote in Conversation
    • Spruce

      Spruce Glad to be back .....

      Joined:
      Apr 10, 2009
      Messages:
      8,774
      Gender:
      Male
      Ratings:
      +12,359
      lightly prune once they have finished flowering be careful not to cut into the old growth , pair of shears are ideal
       
      • Informative Informative x 1
        Spruce, Feb 20, 2015
        #3 Quote in Conversation
      Loading...
      Similar Threads - Heathers Growing Caring
      1. SimonZ

        Planting Heathers

        SimonZ, Oct 11, 2020, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
        Replies:
        7
        Views:
        1,044
        SimonZ
        Oct 12, 2020
      2. Nigalius

        Heathers, what are they?

        Nigalius, Feb 20, 2015, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
        Replies:
        4
        Views:
        486
        JWK
        Feb 20, 2015
      3. Laurence Wilkinson

        heathers in a wall

        Laurence Wilkinson, Oct 30, 2012, in forum: Other Plants
        Replies:
        3
        Views:
        1,427
        KingEdward
        Nov 6, 2012
      4. woody

        soil advice for heathers

        woody, May 30, 2011, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
        Replies:
        2
        Views:
        526
        woody
        May 30, 2011
      5. ZeroZero

        Not very good with heathers - help please

        ZeroZero, Apr 8, 2011, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
        Replies:
        2
        Views:
        548
        clueless1
        Apr 15, 2011

      Share This Page

      1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
        By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
        Accept Learn More...
        Dismiss Notice