Heathers and heaths are small evergreen shrubs. Heathers have scaly leaves, while heaths have needle-shaped leaves. The spectacular flowering and extensive catalog of colours and varieties are perfect for any design of garden. They are very decorative plants, but under one condition, they have to be planted on well-prepared soil. They are similar to perennials, in that, we use them for ‘finishing touches’ in our garden. To obtain a spectacular effect, it is better when they are grown in groups; and in conjunction with different decorative plants such as dwarf coniferous, birches and brooms. Heathers and heaths can decorate the garden, not only when they are flowering; but also their distinct coloration: can provide us with a beautiful carpeting effect throughout year.

Heathers and heaths like sunny dry positions, and sheltering from the wind. The ideal soil, is a light peaty soil; preferable a little sandy and permeable soil: the acidity should be about (pH 4–5. 5). We can improve the soil by digging in organic material (peat or compost) before planting the plants. If the PH is not suitable in the area, where you wish to plant, then the preparation of soil is as follows: remove the soil to a depth of 10-15cm, then add peat, and dig and mix existing soil to a depth of 25-to 30 cm. Heathers do not like moist soil, and dislike frequent watering.

It is best to arrange the planting in groups, at a minimum of 10 -15 plants of one variety: at 20-30 cm apart. This is usually more or less 10-15 plants in every square meter. Heathers and heaths should be planted, so that the bottom twigs touch the ground. After planting, we should water profusely, and mulch around them to a depth of a few centimeters with a layer of pulped pine bark. The bark counteracts excessive evaporation of water; controls weeds growth, and acts as an insulator against frost penetration to the root system.

Heathers and heaths need little fertilizing. You should fertilize once a year in early spring. We recommend a multi fertilizer such as Azofoska, Hydrocomplex, or a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote or fertilizers designed for acidophilic plants.

The majority of heathers and heaths require some form of protection in winter. Conifer branches are a good insulator. Instead of this, you can use a hessian fabric, or shading fabric, (it will last for a few seasons). You cannot cover plants with leaves, straw or with a plastic film.

Annual pruning is essential to maintain a correct growth pattern. It is important because, it has an influence on density and abundance of next year’s flowers. With small plants, we use secateurs; and with more established larger plants, we can comfortable use garden sheers. Pruning should be just below the dead flower head. The heathers, and some species of heaths e.g. Erica tetralix, Erica vagans, Erica watsonii, we prune in early spring. Heaths, Erica carnea, Erica darleyensis are pruned in May, till the beginning June, just after the fading of flowers.

Heathers and heaths are practically resistant to pests and disease, if they are grown in the correct manner and environment. Some times they can be infected through fungi from genus Botrytis (Grey mould), Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Glomorella. The most common time for this is in July, when there are very humid conditions. We recommend preventive spraying in June or July, with many of the freely available fungicides, e.g. Sarbravit, Rovral, Euparen.

With careful choice, it is possible to arrange your planting; so that you have a continuity of flowering from February until November. In the first part of February, you will be able witness the first flowers from the heath variety, e.g. Reddish heath (Erica carnea) "Winter Beauty". In March, April and May is the most common time for the flowering of heaths, in the second half of June we can see the Uliginose heath bloom (Erica tetralix), Watsons heath (Erica watsonii), Grey heath (Erica cinerea), and a little later Creeping heath (Erka vagans). After this, the heathers begin to flower. The earliest varieties flower in July, until the end of November.