Heath, Heather

Heath, or Heather, is a woody, perennial shrub that is widely recognized for its bright little flowers. Of its many species, few will grow taller than a maximum of 10 feet, and many varieties make perfect ground cover because of their short, compact growth. They are easily propagated from cuttings taken in early summer and placed immediately in wet sand. All Heaths prefer sandy, acidic soil. Potted greenhouse heaths are partial to peat moss and coarse sandy soil, while outdoor plants thrive in a lighter sand mix. Watering is only recommended during times of extreme drought. Heather has a tendency to become straggly if not pruned after flowering. Of the most common species suited to the United States temperature zones, the most popular are: Cornish Heath (Erica vagans), Cross-leaved Heath (E. tetralix), Irish Heath (E. mediterranea), Scotch Heather (E. cinerea), and Winter Heath (E. carnea). These varieties range in height from the dwarf sized Cornish Heath, to the 10-foot-tall Irish Heath. In hardiness they also differ considerably. The Winter Heath is a very hardy specimen also known as the snow heather. In some regions it will grow to a height of 1 foot, and its red flowers may be seen throughout the winter. The Cross-leaved Heath on the other hand is less hardy and will only bloom during the summer and fall months.