Blazeaway Heather

Size

Heather is an outstanding ground cover plant that has a full four seasons of interest. Blazeaway has an incredible color combination that packs quite a punch. The yellow-green leaves and lavender blooms are only the first act in Blazeaways seasonal performance. This Heather has intense orange and red fall colors that really make you understand why it is called Blazeaway. Calluna vulgaris is an evergreen, semi woody shrub that is great to use in spots where there might be a lot of activity, such as along a driveway or a sidewalk. They are literally plant and forget shrubs. Onc established, there is virtually no maintenance required. Heather also makes a great filler plant for seasonal mixed containers. A window box planted with English Ivy, Heather and Pansies is a classic fall into winter combination. Blazeaway Heather Care Blazeaway Heather will grow in sites from full sun to part shade. A sunnier spot will help Heather to keep its intense color without turning green. Acidic soil is a must for Blazeaway Heather. Well drained soil is another must have for this drought resistant plant. Supplemental watering the first year will be necessary, as will careful weeding until the plant gets to its mature size. Fertilizing with a slow release feed made for acid-loving plants will help to keep the soil in the right pH range. Pruning is not really an issue for Heathers. A little shaping after blooming has ended late in the summer will help the natural mounded shape stay tidy. Heavy pruning that cuts into the woody branches is not usually successful for reinvigorating growth. Heather works great as an erosion control plant in a sloping garden. Planting more than one variety together as a groundcover has a great patchwork look as each plant changes different shades in the fall. Blazeaway Heather Spacing The fact that Heathers have extensive root systems that are great for holding soil together on a hillside also means that they are not easy to dig out or transplant if placed in the wrong spot. Blazeaway Heather reaches a mature height of 18-21 inches and a width of 20-24 inches. Spacing the plants at 24 inches, center on center, will provide the space that Heather needs to spread out without the need to be cut back.