With their varied flowering periods and changing foliage effects, a good selection of garden heathers will provide your outdoor space with interest all year round.

They associate particularly well with dwarf Conifers, Azaleas and Rhododendrons and may be successfully incorporated into a mixed planting scheme.

Planting

Garden heathers are suitable for growing in island beds, on rockeries or in containers. A position in full sun in moist, well-drained soil suits them best. Summer flowering varieties require lime free soil, whilst winter flowering varieties are tolerant of lime.

Plant with ericaceous compost and mulch generously with bark. Water freely until established and during hot dry weather.