Heathers prefer an open exposed situation so avoid dense woodland, under trees or steep slopes. Plant cultivated varieties in sunny positions for best results. Planted in a shady position, heathers become ‘leggy’, flowering performance is poor and foliage colour disappointing.

Heathers require lime-free, well-drained, cultivated top soil. Dig to provide 20-25 cm (8-10”) of workable soil, removing all weeds. If your soil is on the sandy side, try building up the moisture retaining content by incorporating peat, leaf mould, or well-rotted compost. On heavy clay try improve the drainage by digging in some leaf mould, gravel or perlite to open up the structure of the clay. Heathers will grow happily in the same soil conditions as Rhododendrons and Azaleas – avoid wet areas, chalky soil (alkaline).