How Do I Take Care of a Heather Plant?
Also known as Scotch heather or Ling, the heather plant (Calluna vulgaris) grows up to 3 feet with an equal spread at maturity. This evergreen shrub produces deep green scale-like leaves that give way to showy white, red or pink flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. Heather grows best in well-drained soil within USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8, where the winter temperatures do not fall below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. With proper care, the heather plant will continue to bloom year after year. Provide the heather plant with moist soil at all times using a sprinkler or soaker hose. Water the heather weekly at a rate of 1 inch of water per week, in lieu of rain. Twice a week waterings may be necessary if the weather is exceptionally dry. Suppress weeds with a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch. A layer of bark chips or straw will also improve water drainage and protect the roots of the heather from winter frost and the hot summer sun. Remove dead and damaged branches during the early spri
