Heather Plant Growing Zones

Heathers calluna heaths erica and irish heath daboecia thrive in an open sunny position but will tolerate light shade such as under high canopied deciduous trees.

Heather plant growing zones. For the heather lover in the north these are the plants of choice as opposed to the true heaths which offer more colors but are generally less hardy. These are areas which range in minimum temperatures from 60 degrees fahrenheit to 70 degrees fahrenheit. In essence plant hardiness zones have been used by growers for years to. Heath erica carnea also called spring heath prefers zones 5 through 7.

These low mounding shrubs are the king of scotland the famous heather of the highlands. Heathers often called scottish heather all belong to the species calluna vulgaris. Any zones further south are said to be too hot for the heather shrub. Many need lime free soil acidic that is rich in organic matter.

Both plants belong to the ericaceae plant family but botanists placed each into its own genus. When shopping for new plants for your garden landscape the terms plant hardiness zones growing zones and planting zones may at first seem a bit confusing. Heathers for acidic soil. The winter spring flowering heathers will tolerate some shade but won t flower as well.

Heather has specific soil requirements to grow healthily in a pot. According to the virginia cooperative extension heather can grow in gardening zones 4 through 6 and with some protection from the midday summer sun in zone 7. Plant heathers so that the foliage is resting on the ground and no part of the root ball is showing above. Some tolerate neutral to alkaline soil.

They are hardier than e. Carnea zone 4 although not as tidy and bloom from june until september. You ll need different soil for heather either buy an ericaceous potting mix or make your own by adding half 50 of peat moss 20 of perlite and 10 each of garden soil sand and compost or farm manure. It likes highly acidic soil with a ph level of around 4 5 6.

Calluna are typically hardy in zones 5 7 but may thrive as far north as zone 3 with adequate winter protection or snow cover. Planting zones are areas you can find on a growing zone map that show exactly which plants are best suited to thrive in your given area or zone. Heathers grow best in an open sunny situation. Some sources find difficulties with the plant s vigor and blame it on soil moisture content and wind.

Planting zones or growing zones are illustrated on a map known as the usda plant hardiness zone map. Golden foliaged varieties will need to be planted full sun in order to keep their bright colours. Yet gardeners continue planting heather and experimenting with how to care for heather with enthusiasm for the attractive long blooming ground cover shrub. Some sources report that growing heather is limited to usda plant hardiness zones 4 to 6 while others include zone 7.

Read the information for the cultivar you choose to be sure it will thrive in your area and make it through the winter.