Dark green foliage and flowers in shades of pink, rose, white in winter and early spring makes Mediterranean heather (Erica-x-darleyensis) an appropriate choice for containers, rock and flower gardens, as edging or ground cover. This evergreen shrub grows in Sunset's Climate Zones 1 through 10 and 14 through 24. At maturity it reaches 8 to 24 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Heather thrives in full sun-preferably with a southern exposure-with moist, well-draining, acidic soil. Prepare the planting site at least one month before planting.
Dig up the soil to a depth of 12 to 24 inches and remove any rocks, weeds or other garden debris. Spread a 2-inch layer of well-rotted organic material, manure or compost over the planting site and mix it into the soil.
Dig a hole that is just as deep and twice as wide as the nursery container. Break up the soil in the hole with the blade of the shovel.
Invert the container and ease the heather out. Use your fingers to gently loosen the roots. Hold the plant in the hole so the lower leaves rest on the soil, advises the Heather Society. Add soil around the roots to fill in the hole.
Tamp the soil down and water gently to settle the soil. Plant four heathers for each square yard when you are planting more than one.
Water the heather every day until it shows signs of new growth. Then reduce the frequency of watering to keep the soil moist to a depth of 1 inch.
Spread 2-inch layer of mulch over the planting site to keep down weeds and help the soil retain moisture.
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Things You Will Need
- Well-rotted organic matter, manure or compost
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