Erica carnea is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions than most heaths and heathers, and it even appears to thrive in neutral and slightly alkaline soil. For sure results, however, any light well-drained loam with a generous proportion of peatrnoss or oak-leafmold is considered most favorable, and the plants should have sunshine in abundance. Sharp drainage is of great importance in establishing plantings of most heaths in gardens, even though self-sown seedlings and native stands can be found thriving in situations where the soil seems quite wet. Some of the finest specimens of winter heath noted were deeply entrenched in a bed of native peat and sand which always seemed hot and dry on the surface. Two inches down, however, the mixture was constantly moist; at a depth of 10 inches it was very wet indeed. Thick masses of roots from the heaths went still deeper!
Spring Planting
When heaths are purchased in pots or in temporary paper containers, they can be set out at almost any time. but spring planting is always to be preferred as it gives the young plants plenty of time to become established. Special care is rarely needed after they have been brought through any dangerously dry spells the first summer. However, in areas where the winters are likely to be harsh, it is very helpful to furnish some protection from winds for the first year or two. This can be done very easily by laying small cedars or branches of pines or other conifers through the heath plantings. Once the plants are growing well, this green mulching is not necessary.
Various Uses
As one would suspect from its natural haunts in the Alps of south-central Europe, winter heath is thoroughly at home among rocks and boulders. It is an ideal plant for a sunny rock garden, particularly one that is seen from the house or driveway.
On a terrace bank or naturalistic rock-strewn slope, preferably facing away from winds and toward the sun. winter heaths are superb. The picture is very fine when they are planted in front of conifers, such as dwarf Mugho pines (Pines mugo mughus) or slender Serbian spruces (Picea omorika 1. One of the most pleasing ways to use them, especially in small gardens, is .on the top of a low dry wall in the company of dwarf junipers and prostrate brooms. Despite their wild rocky upbringing, winter heaths take naturally to this more formal association, and their dense rounded habit is a valuable asset in plantings of this type.
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