Add heaths and heathers to your holidays
November 10, 2009
By Jane Garrison
It’s that time of year again when you start thinking about celebrations, decorations and dinners rather than the garden.We seem to need big winter events for survival during the gray months, but the garden doesn’t have to be dismal at this time of year. There is one garden plant that not only survives, but also shows off in the dark drizzle without complaining. In the middle of all this gloom, these plants are rays of sunshine. I’m talking about the winter heath. It’s starting to bloom right now.
The heaths and heathers hail from the British Isles and regions near the Mediterranean Sea with climates similar to ours. They are well suited to our region from Puget Sound up into the foothills. When I read about heaths and heathers, I find that they are rather particular about where they are willing to grow, and there are a lot of envious gardeners in other regions who cannot grow them. We should cherish ours a little more than we do.
They need the following conditions: a lot of sunshine, good drainage and acidic soil, which most of us here have anyway. You also need to keep them well watered during the summer. Most are not drought tolerant. Established plantings are able to get by with less water.
There are three common kinds of heaths and heathers: winter heath (Erica), Irish heath (daboecia), and Scotch heather (calluna).
The most common winter heath is Mediterranean Pink, with an amazing bloom time from November through May. It gets 24 inches tall and wider.
Also popular are King George, another pink with a 15-inch height, and springwood white, listed at only 8 inches tall. These two varieties bloom usually from January through April — not bad.
To complement winter heath is Irish heath. It blooms in summer and achieves a height of about 18 inches. You can probably find them in nurseries only when they are in bloom.
Now, you only have to worry about fall, and the heaths and heathers have that covered, too. Plant Scotch heather, which blooms from late summer through fall. There are several varieties. Robert Chapman and Wickwar flame have mauve flowers, but Wickwar has the added advantage of brilliant red foliage all winter.
You need to clip them to keep them looking their best. We are told to wait until after bloom to prune. I made the mistake of pruning my big winter heath too late, because it was still partially blooming. I pruned off the next year’s buds without knowing it, so you have to do your snipping earlier than not.
While you are out there putting up your holiday lights or heading out to party, just give a thumbs up to that gorgeous heath plant showing off in the corner of the yard. He will appreciate it.
Jane Garrison is a local master gardener and landscape architect. She gardens in glacial till on the plateau.
Comments
Got something to say?
Before you comment, please note:
- These comments are moderated.
- Comments should be relevant to the topic at hand and contribute to its discussion.
- Personal attacks and/or excessive profanity will not be tolerated and such comments will not be approved.
- This is not your personal chat room or forum, so please stay on topic.
