Does Heather plant come back every year?

Only gardeners in frost-free areas can count on Mexican heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) to come back year after year. The plant, native to Mexico and Guatemala, needs the heat of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 to thrive.

Where does Heather grow best?

Plant heathers in open areas, along pathways or up hillsides. They are suitable for coastal gardens as they will tolerate the salt spray and work well in rock gardens as they require similar acidic soil conditions to dwarf conifers.

Is a heather plant an indoor or outdoor plant?

Heather is commonly seen outdoors, but can be brought inside. Heather is part of the Ericacea, or heath, family of plants. It has a cluster of purple flowers at the top of the flower stalks, but some varieties are available in white and pink.

Does Heather need to be cut back?

Both need to be sheared every spring to prevent bare, unsightly stems from forming. Heathers should be sheared in February or March. Heaths are best cut back in late April or early May.

Can you grow heathers in pots?

Pot-grown heathers will need feeding during the growing season – choose a fertiliser formulated for ericaceous plants and follow the instructions on the bottle or packet. Mulch annually to keep soil nutrient levels high, maintain the soil pH and improve soil structure.

What does heather look like in winter?

Small flowers yet plenty of colour – that’s the secret of winter heather (officially called Erica carnea). This small evergreen shrub blooms with white, pink, red, purple and gold flowers. They’re quite small, but because there are so many of them, winter heather still brings plenty of life and colour to your garden.

Can you grow heather in pots?

They work well in container displays and at the front of a border, as well as rock gardens.

Will heather survive winter?

Heather that flowers in winter is likely Erica carnea (actually a type of winter-blooming heath), which grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 7. Some sources indicate Erica carnea survives in zone 4, and maybe even zone 3 with adequate protection.

What to do with heather after flowering?

Pruning heathers is quick and easy. After flowering, simply give them a light trim to remove the faded flower spikes. This keeps the plants neat and encourages bushiness.

Does heather survive winter?

Does heather turn brown in winter?

Choosing Heather Varieties Spent blooms will turn brown but can still be left of the plants over the winter and often lead to interesting decorative effects, particularly when there is snow or frost.