Heathers are a wonderful decoration of homes and gardens, associated mainly with autumn. These are evergreen shrubs, blooming from late summer to autumn, with bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple or white.
Although they seem extremely durable, many people find that their plants have died. Why does this happen and how to take care of them so that they remain beautiful?
It’s heather which are considered quite resistant, but they cannot be left completely unattended. Most often they go to gardens or balconies, so they spend the winter in difficult conditions, frost and snow.
They must not be left without any cover, as the frozen ground prevents the absorption of nutrients and water. In turn, strong sunlight in winter causes intense transpiration, i.e. evaporation of water from the above-ground parts of the plant. As a result, the heather becomes dehydrated.
It is necessary to ensure their proper protection in winter. They need a cover, but it should not be very tight. A loose layer of decoration, i.e. conifers twigs, will work best. Heathers can also be covered with a light, white agrotextile, but this must be done on a dry day. You must not cover a plant that is wet.
Heathers are plants that prefer sunny positions and acidic, permeable soil. They need to be placed in a place protected from the wind. They require moderate watering, as they cannot be allowed to dry out or get wet.
Heathers grown in pots need drainage holes to allow excess moisture to escape. They must also stand on pads so that they do not come into contact with the cold concrete.
In October or November, on warm days, we should water them so that they enter winter well-hydrated. This does not mean that they need to be poured. Everything should be done sensibly. It is worth planning the last watering just before the announced, stronger frosts.
The roots of heather placed in containers may freeze faster than those placed in the ground. Therefore, it is worth taking care of their cover or moving them to the garage or basement for the winter. They can remain on the balcony or terrace only if they are protected from the wind and the pots are frost-resistant.
Let us also remember that even withered heather should still be given a chance to regenerate. In spring, it is worth trimming dried shoots and watering the plant regularly. Maybe he’ll get back into shape after a few weeks.
