Maintenance

Water - Newly planted heather needs a thorough watering at least twice a week for the first month or so depending on when they were planted to get them established in the new site. A good deep, penetrating soak is needed to penetrate the root ball, promote root growth in to new soil and support existing foliage growth. The mulch applied at planting will help retain moisture, and we recommend that you apply mulch at least once a year. Over watering is deadly. Always check the moisture of the soil before watering. If you are uncertain, dig a trowel full of soil from next to the root ball. If it is cool and moist, hold back on the water. The sooner you can "wean" the plants from supplementary water the better. Always water in the mornings. Any water sitting on the foliage will quickly evaporate. Heathers, like most plants are susceptible to fungal problems if the foliage is wet going into the night.

Fertilizing - Each spring when I shear or cut back my heathers in the garden I also scratch in a fertilizer for acid loving evergreens before mulching the bed. Follow the instructions on the bag. It will lightly feed the plants throughout the season which is all that is needed. I do not recommend a liquid “zap” as there little or no residual benefit and can be detrimental to the plants.