Heath Care
Erica
Evergreen shrubs that generally produce pink, purple or white flowers. Almost all species need acidic (lime-free), well-drained soil and full sun; in Manisa's alkaline soils they cannot survive without special soil preparation.
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.
- Pruning: Species that bloom in autumn can be lightly pruned only once their flowering is over.
- General care: Refresh the acidic mulch (pine needles) in the root zone.
- Pests & diseases: Against the risk of root rot, make sure drainage is good.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -15 °C.
- General care: Species that bloom in winter/spring begin to flower; the plant prepares to wake up.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -15 °C.
- Watering: If the rains are insufficient, water with lime-free water (rainwater).
- Fertilizing: Once growth begins, an acid-loving plant fertilizer containing ammonium sulfate may be applied (do not overapply).
- General care: Main flowering period for species that flower in spring; never use hard tap water.
- Pests & diseases: If chlorosis (leaf yellowing) begins, apply iron chelate.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- Fertilizing: Not necessary (if done in March).
- Pruning: After spring-flowering species finish flowering, lightly cut the spent flowering branches to keep the plant compact; do not cut into the woody parts.
- General care: This is the best time for pruning.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Pruning: Last chance for pruning spring-flowering plants.
- 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.
- Pests & diseases: Start checking for spider mites.
- 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: The spider mite population may increase.
- General care: Heat stress begins; a mulch layer keeps the roots cool.
- Pests & diseases: Chlorosis is the biggest problem in alkaline soils.
- 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.
- General care: This is the hottest month; the plant may become stressed but is tolerant.
- Pests & diseases: Leaf tip burn can be a sign of water stress or high salinity.
- 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.
- General care: Species that flower in autumn start to form buds.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: The best time for planting new seedlings; lower the pH by mixing plenty of pine needles, peat or sulfur into the soil.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- Pruning: Autumn-flowering plants are not pruned.
- General care: Planting of seedlings can continue; add acidic mulch (pine needles) to the root zone.
- Pests & diseases: Pay attention to drainage against root rot.
- Pruning: Species that flower in autumn can be lightly pruned after their flowers are finished.
- General care: It enters winter dormancy.
- Pruning: Last chance for pruning, if needed.
- General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -15 °C.
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.
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