Heather

[Why2why]

Hi, I planted some heathers over the past couple of weeks. I really want them to grow and fill the space. Does anyone know how long it takes for heather to grow to its full size?

Heather what type of heather is it ? i bought Erica for my window boxes, calluna is smaller, and there’s Daboecia. i’m sure i will be placing the ericas somewhere in the garden in the spring, but i don’t know how long they take to get big. sorry not much help,

They need acidic soil or they'll die

@WaltzingBetty

They need acidic soil or they'll die

Not totally true. Erica carnea will cope with neutral or slightly alkaline, Calluna, Daboecia and the other Erica species require acid soil.

Full size is a variable concept and depends partly on space available. They’re not rapid growers - they’re designed to grow in relatively low nutrient conditions - so you’re talking at least a year and probably longer - it’s over 20 years since I planted mine so I can’t remember

WaltzingBetty i have acidic soil, rhododendron and azaleas are prolific here. i read also that Erica doesn’t mind the soil so much, but apparently i should plant it in deeply !

Thanks @MereDintofPandiculation
That's good to know!

It looks like calluna. I bought them from b&q

i have calluna in my rockery, they are still small, i planted them last spring. fairly sure they have to have acidic soil.

Yes, Calluna need acid soil. You’ll see if yours is unsuitable if the laves start going yellow.

@Autumnscene did you expect them to have been bigger? Have you noticed any growth?

I have added compost to the soil and feed periodically. The soil around here is generally alkaline but I hope adding compost and feed will help. I also added a dose for f diluted vinegar. Not sure if that will help.

Why2why I’m not sure what I expected out of the calling, it hasn’t done anything. I’ve never heard of adding diluted vinegar, is that for growth ?

Apparently the vinegar increases the acidity level of the soil.

@Why2why

Apparently the vinegar increases the acidity level of the soil.

Not a long term thing because it’ll get washed out. By interested to see whether it has an effect.

Heather shouldn’t need feed - if you think of its natural habitat on moorland, it’s a very low nutrient habitat. But what might be worth a try is something with “sequestered” or “chelated” iron. The effect of alkalinity on an ericaceous (heather family) plant is to block its ability to take up iron.

Actually looked at my calluna today, and it has grown about 2 inches upwards but not outwards since I planted it in spring.

An alternative approach is to plant densely and thin out after a couple of years. Requires discipline

You can get ericaceous compost at garden centres, to make your heathers happy, OP!
Alternatively, water them with diluted ericaceous feed - sometimes marketed as “rhododendron and azalea feed”, in case the punters don’t know the term ericaceous!
If they’re in acid soil they are practically indestructible. I have some that are nearly fifty years old, planted by the previous owner. They have survived minus 18C and prolonged burial in snow drifts. (I live in Scotland…!)

Not surprising that they’re indestructible given that we have two species of Erica and one Calluna covering most of our inhospitable upland areas (and a Daboecia and other species of Erica in restricted localities)