| Remove weeds by hand, especially
in the first years of growth. Don't fork or hoe deeply
as you will disturb the roots.
It is vital to prevent heathers
drying out, particularly during the first year of planting.
Water thoroughly in dry conditions. A mulch of peat twice
a year applied after rain, will help retain moisture,
ensure correct soil conditions and assist in keeping down
weeds. Well-weathered pulverised bark or cocoa shell can also
be used.
Pruning - retains the shape of the plant and encourages
new growth and flowers. Unpruned heathers become straggly
and unattractive. Use sharp shears or secateurs, trimming off
shoots that have flowered, cutting back to the base of the
dead flowers but not into old wood. Cut back excessive lateral
growth encroaching on plants or lawns. Spring Flowering Varieties – such as Erica carnea and Erica
darlyensis should be pruned after flowering.
Heathers require little in the way of fertilisers but a product
such as Phostrogen is perfectly safe. Apply all fertilisers
at the quantities prescribed on the packet.
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