15 hours Ago By Katherine McPhillips
Winter flowering heather not only adds lots of colour to an otherwise dreary December garden but is also associated with good luck, so it is a fantastic plant to plant to welcome 2025. Heather is a hardy plant known to survive without much maintenance, but it is incredibly important to prune it at the right time so it stays healthy throughout the rest of winter . Alison, a gardening expert from Plant Addicts , has shared that winter heather should always be pruned immediately after it finishes flowering; otherwise, it can affect flower growth.
She said: “Prune Heather after blooming to refresh this shrub. Pruning at a different time may reduce flower production or reduce the striking fall foliage. "Heather needs to be pruned right after the blooms fade to help it prepare for new growth, so giving it a trim will ensure you get plenty of flowers next year.
" The most common types of heather at this time of year Winter Heath (Erica carnea) which begins to bloom in November and Darley Dale Heath (Erica darleyensis) which flowers in December. These flowers last a long time and their flowers and will need to be pruned in late winter to early spring (around March or April). However, if the flowers are looking faded or dried out or if the plant is looking overgrown, then you may need to remove these spent blooms earlier.
Allison said: “Dead or damaged growth can be removed from a heather anytime. Deadheading is unnecessary and does not extend the blooming season, so additional pruning is not needed.” How to cut a winter heather You can remove dried-out flower heads or damaged growth at any time of the year.
To encourage new growth, you simply need to do it just below the spent bloom. However, try to avoid excessive cutting until next year when the flowers begin to fade. To prune, cut back overgrown or uneven branches in the springtime.
Lightly trim the outer edges to shape the plant. Cut back any weak or dead-looking stems as it will help improve air circulation around the plant, but always prune within the green leafy growth. The most important thing to know when cutting heather is to never cut the bare woody stems as they will not grow back.
The woody stems of heather at the thicker and tougher branches at the base of the plant and cutting it can stress the plant out as well as risk the plant being damaged. Once you are done pruning, make sure to clean up any fallen leaves or foliage, as they can attract pests if left on the ground. Give your heather water and add an acidic mulch to the soil after pruning so it will come back brimming with flowers next year.
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