Water, fertilize, overwinter and more

click fraud protection

Do you have to water the heather?

Heather is very sensitive to drought and must not dry out under any circumstances. Therefore the soil should always be well moistened, especially in the hot summer months as well as in dry periods it should be watered regularly and abundantly. The same applies to winter, which is why a layer of mulch in the root area is a sensible preparation for the cold season; the Mulch(€ 239.00 at Amazon *) stores moisture and thus counteracts dehydration.

also read

  • Cranesbill doesn't need much maintenance
  • Heather not toxic to humans and animals
  • Knotweed doesn't need a lot of maintenance

When and how should you fertilize the heather?

Basically, it is enough to apply the heather twice a year fertilize: once at the beginning of the growing season and once after pruning. Use organic fertilizer for this (horn shavings are particularly suitable) or special fertilizers for bog plants.

Either immediately after flowering in autumn (summer heather) or in spring (winter heather), the heather is severely cut back to counteract balding.

What should be considered when cultivating heather in a pot?

Heather in the pot should be fertilized regularly with peat plant fertilizer, in addition, the root ball must not dry out - waterlogging should also be avoided, otherwise the plant will rot from below. Choose if possible hardy varietiesthat do not require additional protection.

Is the heather susceptible to disease or pests?

The heather is very robust and not very susceptible to any diseases or pests. Only the honey fungus can cause considerable damage, especially in summer heather, by causing white rot in the wood. In the event of an infestation, the only thing that usually helps is to pull out the infested heather and replace the contaminated soil.

Is the heather hardy?

Depending on its area of ​​origin the heather hardy or not. The common heather also known as summer heather - especially the bud heather - as well as the winter or Snow heather are hardy. Other types (such as the Tree heather Erica arborea), on the other hand, come from climatically milder regions and are therefore not really hardy.

How should you hibernate heather?

Hardy varieties do not actually need any additional protection, while more sensitive varieties should be covered with a layer of leaves or mulch. be protected from frost with brushwood.

Tips

Should the heather dry up from below, ergo brown, there is usually no lack of water, but - quite the contrary - waterlogging with progressive root rot behind it.