Heathers – Year-Round Colour and Structure for Every Garden

Heathers are versatile, hardy evergreen plants that bring structure, colour, and texture to the garden throughout the year. Their dense, low-growing habit makes them perfect for ground cover, while their profusion of small flowers provides a long season of interest. With varieties that bloom in every season, from the snowy months of winter to the height of summer, there is always a heather to brighten the garden.

From classic purple and pink shades to crisp whites and even golden foliage forms, heathers can be used in borders, rockeries, containers, or to create carpets of colour in larger spaces. They are also highly attractive to pollinators, offering a reliable source of nectar and pollen when few other plants are in bloom.

General Information

Heathers belong mainly to two genera: Calluna (commonly known as ling or summer heather) and Erica (winter-flowering heathers). Together, they provide continuous interest across the seasons.

• Habit: Compact, evergreen shrubs with dense foliage.

• Height & spread: Usually 20–50cm tall and wide, forming neat mounds.

• Flowers: Small, bell-shaped blooms in pink, purple, red, or white, often produced in profusion.

• Foliage: Tiny, scale-like leaves, which in some varieties take on golden, bronze, or red tones in autumn and winter.

• Flowering season:

  • Erica carnea and Erica darleyensis – flower in winter to early spring.

  • Calluna vulgaris – flowers in summer and early autumn.

• Position: Prefer full sun, though some tolerate light shade.

• Soil: Most heathers prefer acidic, free-draining soil, though Erica carnea and E. darleyensis are lime-tolerant and more adaptable.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy and tolerant of frost.

• Wildlife value: Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, especially in the colder months when food is scarce.

By mixing different types, gardeners can enjoy colour and nectar almost all year round.

Care Guide

Heathers are low-maintenance but benefit from a little care to keep them looking their best.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in spring or autumn when soil is moist and workable.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, spacing 30–40cm apart.

• Soil preparation: For Calluna and many Ericas, add ericaceous compost to create acidic conditions. For lime-tolerant species, general compost is fine.

• Grouping: Plant in groups or drifts for maximum impact and colour.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first season to establish roots.

• Once mature, heathers are drought-tolerant but will flower more profusely with consistent watering in dry spells.

• Feed in spring with a specialist ericaceous fertiliser if growing acid-loving varieties.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Lightly trim after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy new growth.

• Avoid cutting into old wood, as heathers may not regrow from bare stems.

• Mulch annually with composted bark or leaf mould to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Protection

• Fully hardy, requiring no winter protection.

• Ensure soil is well-drained in winter to prevent root rot.

Why Choose Heathers?

Heathers are among the most rewarding and versatile plants for adding year-round interest to gardens.

• Seasonal colour: Varieties flower in both winter and summer, ensuring year-round displays.

• Low-maintenance: Easy to care for and long-lived with minimal effort.

• Wildlife-friendly: An important source of nectar for bees and pollinators.

• Ground cover: Dense growth helps suppress weeds and cover bare soil.

• Versatile use: Perfect for borders, rockeries, containers, and larger plantings.

The Heathers collection is ideal for gardeners who want reliable, colourful, and pollinator-friendly plants with minimal fuss. Whether brightening winter days, adding summer cheer, or covering tricky spots with hardy evergreen foliage, heathers deliver beauty and value in every season.

• Size
  6 Pack (9cm)

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.