Heather Care
Calluna vulgaris
An evergreen shrub that likes cool climates and acidic, lime-free soil. It is very difficult to grow in the garden because of Izmir's alkaline soils and hot summers; it should be kept in a pot using acidic (lime-free) peat and protected from afternoon sun.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist; check the pot every 10-15 days. Using rainwater is ideal.
- Pruning: Not needed. The best time for pruning is early March.
- General care: Make sure drainage in the pot is good and water does not collect in the saucer.
- Pests & diseases: Root rot (from overwatering) is the main risk.
- Frost risk: Potted plants can experience root sensitivity in severe frosts; move them to a sheltered place.
- Watering: Continue keeping the soil moist.
- Pruning: Late month or early March is the time for pruning, before new growth starts. Cut just below the spent flowers from last year, into green wood.
- General care: Pruning keeps the plant young and vigorous.
- Watering: Keep the soil constantly moist (1-2 times a week).
- Fertilizing: After pruning, apply a slow-release fertilizer for acidic soils (orchid/azalea fertilizer) once (do not overapply).
- Pruning: Pruning should be finished by the beginning of this month.
- General care: It is the best time for repotting or renewing the soil. Be sure to use acidic (lime-free) peat.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: New shoots lengthen.
- Pests & diseases: Leaf yellowing can indicate that the soil pH is rising (due to limy water).
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Plant protection: A hot and dry environment increases the risk of spider mites. Check the undersides of the leaves.
- General care: This month is the most critical period for staying healthy. Regular watering and afternoon shade are essential to protect against stress.
- Pests & diseases: Spider mites (webbing and discoloration on the leaves) are the biggest threat.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Pruning: Prune as soon as flowering ends. Next year's flower buds form over the summer; late pruning reduces flowering.
- Plant protection: Continue checking for spider mites. Use neem oil or a suitable miticide if necessary.
- General care: Flower buds begin to form.
- Pests & diseases: Browning and leaf drop are signs of heat stress.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Plant protection: Continue checking for spider mites.
- General care: The plant is starting to flower or is in full bloom.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Fertilizing: To support flowering, you can give an acidic liquid fertilizer once at the start of the month at half dose.
- Pruning: Not needed; enjoy the flowers.
- Plant protection: Be on the alert for the risk of spider mites.
- General care: The plant is at its most showy stage. Make sure it is in shade in the afternoon.
- Pests & diseases: Continue checking for spider mites.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: Flowering continues and gradually ends by the end of the month.
- Watering: Water so as to keep the soil lightly moist (once a week or less).
- General care: The plant begins to enter its rest period. You can remove spent flowers.
- Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist.
- General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
- Pests & diseases: Beware of the risk of root rot.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.
Browse all plant guides