Step 1 Remove a strong, healthy, non-flowering shoot with clean secateurs, cutting straight across the stem about 4in (10cm) below the tip. Water the foliage from time to time as well, particularly in summer. When ripe, on a dry day, capsules can suddenly dehisce releasing all their seed. Make a shallow trench with a trowel into which the selected branch can be drawn. On dull days, the polythene cover should be lifted slightly for an hour to start with, gradually increasing the period until the cover can be completely removed. For every pound that you give we can claim an extra 25p from the Inland Revenue. If available, these are likely to be quite small, 1 to 2cm long. So – Everyone can grow heathers. 6. Take semi-ripe cuttings (too late now) and put them in a rooting medium overwinter until they grow a substantial root system. The plants may also be grown as a hedge Heights range from the well named Erica erigena ‘Superba’ at around 180cm, down to the dainty Erica erigena ‘Nana’ at 20cm. You can also take summer cuttings of many other plants, including rosemary, roses and penstemons. The “peaked” bed will give a spectacular display for 6 to 10 weeks and then by judicious use of foliage varieties will give a subdued but still colourful display for the rest of the year. If you intend to attempt to produce particular progeny then the parent plant must be protected from pollination by insects, and must be hand-pollinated using pollen from another plant that also has not been visited by insects. Soak seeds for 24 hours in the primer solution. The first, open to all amateur growers and described below, relies on keeping the cuttings humid, the second is more sophisticated; mist propagation. The first decision that has to be made is whether to have a heather bed designed to peak at a particular time of year or whether to have a bed which has something in flower for most of the year. Root Mexican heather cuttings in summer when the shrub is actively growing. Use a dibber or a finger to make a deep hole in the compost, insert one seedling, and firm the compost lightly around it. These will not be coated with the dye so they should be green (or turn green). If not, simply heavily water again, leave 20 minutes and re-seal. As a bonus the foliage has attractive coloured tips in the spring. The seed trays are then placed under cover in the shade until the seeds have germinated. Technically, burning is best because old heather regenerates (from seed or rootstock) quicker and fire destroys the litter which can harbour ticks. 7. Several such layers can be made around the plant without affecting its appearance. Despite enduring long hot and dry summers in South Africa most cultivated heathers hate being dry and this is the greatest danger. 1. To prevent seedlings becoming too leggy, pinch out the tip if they are over 25mm (1in) high. The trays are left in the smoke for 1 to 2 hours. Any plants I have purchased have been dead within a short time. Take cuttings at leaf fall and just before the buds break. Erica carnea cuttings are best taken in July or August by selecting stems which do not have buds forming on them. It probably has brightest range of colours of all the summer flowering heathers. How to Grow Cuttings from Established Plants. This method is slightly more prone to fungal attack and therefore is most effective if propagation is delayed until September. Cutting instructions. Heathers can be propagated by layering, cuttings, or by seed. If not, heavily water the sand in the centre pot, and re-seal. What is the best way to arrange a heather garden? In a couple of weeks time you take non flowering green shoots of about 6 to 9 inches long, cut just below a leaf joint. About two weeks after the cuttings are taken, a gradual swelling of the whole stem is observed. 9. Dry the soil very slowly (overnight) before testing, to get the most accurate result. If you are not sure whether your soil is acid, neutral, or alkaline, simple and inexpensive soil testing kits are available from most garden centres. Tree heather will burst into flower (tiny flowers) in … A layer can be made at any time of year. With a single method, you can propagate and grow many different plants from stem cuttings. I want to Gift Aid my annual subscription and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to The Heather Society. Repeat this operation annually. Rooting Heather Cuttings. The dyes used are evidently water- and weatherproof because they do not wash off in rain. Heights range from 90cm down to 45cm. What happens when a cutting roots? Erica vagans (Cornish heath): Flowers from mid-summer into autumn. It is graceful, mysterious, show-stopping: all the things that heather isn’t. Ideally heel cuttings about 4 to 5cm long are best but if in short supply a tip cutting can be prepared but cut off the top 5cm of growth with a sharp knife. 1. "Painted" or "dyed" heathers are heathers, almost always plants of Calluna vulgaris (ling or Scotch heather), which have been sprayed all over with a dye. Daboecia cantabrica (St Dabeoc’s heath): Flowers from June until late autumn. Estimate the planting area in square metres (square yards), deducting one square metre (square yard) for each conifer included. Heathers benefit from an annual pruning and the following schedule may be of assistance. Where possible beds should be of informal shape with no straight edges. 7. Heights are mainly around 30cm. 2. Every other April or May, trim flower heads with shears. A heated propagator will speed rooting, but is not essential, Instead of a 4in (10cm) pot, you could insert individual cuttings in 3in (7.5cm) pots. Avery attractive heather, with glossy green leaves and large urn-shaped flowers, in shades of red, pink, lilac and white. Calluna vulgaris cuttings can also be taken during July and August from the growth just below the flowering stem. Label the seed tray, and place it on a bed of fine gravel within a larger tray which has been watered – this will allow a more even take-up of water by capillary action. Second - from the chart below, find which description fits your soil situation most closely, and note which of the heather species will succeed for you. There are several methods of taking Hydrangea cuttings. There is absolutely nothing more cheering in those dark days after Christmas, than a bed or border of winter/spring flowering heathers - their brilliant colours brightening the winter gloom and giving several months of pleasure. Cuttings. Heights range from 35cm down the diminutive Daboecia x scotica ‘Ben’ at 10cm – perfect for a trough garden. 3. Planting on dry sites or under trees should be avoided. Mix the seed with dry silver sand and sow evenly over the surface, and then sieve a thin layer (not more than 2-3mm (0.1in) deep) of dry washed grit and/or silver sand over the surface; this will help to retain moisture and inhibit the growth of moss, as well as protect and cover the seeds. To check that rooting is taking place, lightly pull the cutting. Trim this material to 5cm (2in). Ericaceous plants require significant quantities of iron, which in soils with a pH above 6.5 is rendered virtually insoluble and hence iron deficiency sets in, causing the plant to yellow and then die. Recently it has been discovered that in addition to the more obvious effect of heat, the smoke from fires is responsible for stimulating the germination of seed of many Erica species in South Africa. The chart below will help you select the species for you soil type:-. The most common method of producing heathers is from cuttings. Cuphea tends to grow into a mound but the bottoms of the stems are sometimes bare, which gives the plants a leggy look. Sometimes this type of cutting is not readily available, in which case prepare in a similar way to a July Calluna cutting. However, if you are not one of these lucky few, you can still have a colourful, healthy, display of these beautiful plants - you just need to know which ones you can or can’t grow successfully. Height is around 45cm. Pruning Heather. Select and cut 10cm (4in) non-flowering sideshoots. Avoid stems where the leaf nodes are more than 2mm apart. Some gardeners like to pinch out the tips of the cuttings too, this can be helpful to encourage a bushier cutting, but it is not essential. After three to four weeks roots always start to form above a leaf nodule. Water in but don’t firm them in. Heather seed can be triggered to germinate by fire and light, so germination is increased if the seed is heated to 120ºC for 30 seconds before sowing in the propagation compost. Follow steps 5 to 8 above. Any cuttings that die should be removed to minimise disease. Covering with fleece will help diffuse bright sunlight Ensure the compost is moist until the cuttings are well-rooted which takes about 2 to 4 weeks Once rooted, harden off the cuttings for about two weeks and pot them on individually. These are the species/hybrid names. Heights range from the very vigorous Erica x darleyensis ‘Arthur Johnson’ which can reach 90cm ( but can be easily kept under control with an annual trim) down to the more usual height range of 40 to 60cm. Prepare as above but remove all flower buds by rubbing a finger and thumb upwards along the stem. Calluna vulgaris (Scottish heather or Ling): Flowers from late summer until well into autumn and there is a vast range of colours to choose from, both in flower and foliage. Select a pot or container that has at least one hole in the bottom to prevent over-watering. A longer cutting stores more food in it. This guarantees the best chance of rooting. 10. Transplanting is best done in early spring, but if the cuttings are sufficiently well rooted by September, they can be potted on and over-wintered in a cold-frame. Plan on using 5 plants per square metre (4 plants per sq. In which case, prune when the flowers are fading to avoid trimming off next spring’s flowers. Keep the seed tray in a shaded part of a well-ventilated greenhouse, out of intense direct sun, to prevent rapid evaporation from the soil surface even after seedlings appear, as this helps prevent them drying out. It is thought that this effect would hold true for hardy heather species as well. Trim the stems just below a node (or leaf joint). Place an inch of compost in the bottom of a 6-inch pot. When to take cuttings If you have a favourite shrub, it's easy to make more plants by taking cuttings. Heathers grow best in an open, sunny situation. Callunas such as ‘Spring Torch’ or ‘Spring Cream’, which have brightly coloured new growth in spring, are better pruned in the autumn. Try to obtain the type containing test tubes already filled with the testing liquid. They are frost-hardy. Erica carnea cuttings can also be taken in March and April. Take an 8-inch-long cutting from a stem tip, using shears that have been disinfected in a 10 percent bleach solution. However, prune them no later than May, or you may be cutting off next winter’s flowers. Take cuttings in summer and replant them in the garden the following spring. When cutting, try to cut from the heel of the plant to get some of the bark. Place the pot against a north wall or in light shade under a bush or a place where the sun cannot play on the polythene bag. Do not allow the soil in the pots or trays to dry out, nor to sit in deep water. It is true that, without an acid soil, you can’t grow the full range of these beautiful plants (except in containers). Water thereafter as normal. For a good resource to see which plants you can take cuttings from at different times of the year, check out this plant propagation list here. Locate a stem near the center of the plant that is growing close to the ground, and cut straight across to avoid damaging the node. Stake for support. Height – around 50cm or less. If your soil is acid, you can grow any heather cultivars. Then multiply by five (four) to obtain the number of heathers required. Many heather growers indicate on their plant labels whether the heathers are suitable for acid or alkaline soils, which is very useful. Heathers are best planted in beds totally devoted to themselves, except for the addition of a few conifers to provide contrast in height and form. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. These are low-growing, ground-covering plants, around 20cm in height, which will give pleasure for many years with the minimum of attention. Soils vary from very acid with a pH scale of 3.5 to very alkaline with a pH just over 8. Hardwood cuttings are cut much longer than herbaceous cuttings because they take more time to develop roots and therefore need to use the reserves of food stored in the cutting to keep them alive through winter. First - look at the first two names on the plant label, which (unless you have found something unusual) will almost certainly be one of the following: Calluna vulgaris, Daboecia cantabrica, Daboecia x scotica, Erica carnea, Erica ciliaris, Erica cinerea, Erica erigena, , Erica tetralix, Erica vagans, Erica x darleyensis, Erica x griffithsii or Erica x watsonii. If heathers are kept indoors, they require a cool and well-lit moist atmosphere. It will tolerate some shade. The species chosen, therefore, will depend, to some extent, on whether the soil is acid or alkaline. Periodically check heather cuttings after two to three months for rooting by gently tugging on them. Leave for several months, checking occasionally that the polythene bag is fogged. Tree Heather: A Field Guide. Soak seed tray in rainwater until the surface has become damp. ?Prune immediately after the flowers have faded by simply trimming off the dead flowers. Erica ciliaris (Dorset heath): In bloom from mid-summer until autumn. Heather plants can be propagated with stem tip cuttings taken early in the summer. As Erica carnea flowers profusely, it may be difficult to find cutting material without buds, in which case these will have to be used. Place the relatively dry compost into a 9cm pot (smaller sizes are more prone to drying out) and lightly firm. Cutting is perhaps the new kid on the block, as fire has been managing heather since time began and as a result, heather is described as a fire-adapted plant. If resistance is felt, you can be sure that rooting is taking place. Gather a 5-inch-long portion from the tip of the stem. Will tolerate acid, neutral or alkaline soils. It only rarely roots around nodules, which may account for the increased difficulty most propagators have with this species. It may be beneficial to spray the surface with a proprietary herbicide (for example, Mogeton) to prevent mosses and liverworts growing. Rooted segments can be severed and transplanted easily. Therefore, instead of being the typical darkish green one expects of a living heather, they are garishly coloured: bright, florescent blue, red, yellow, orange and pale green. Alternatively, the compost made up for propagation of cuttings can be used (this time there is no need to sieve the peat). They should not be pruned too hard i.e. The smoke is generated in the drum by burning a mixture of dry and green leaf and stem material which should resemble as closely as possible the vegetation found on heathland. If small numbers are required, the following method minimises that risk. full of water. Erica cinerea does best in a light sandy soil, which doesn’t get too wet in winter. Needs an acid soil. Alternatively, “all-year-round” beds give a near continual display without ever being spectacular and have the advantage where only a few heathers can be grown. A hardy evergreen, tree heather prefers acid soil and can withstand some exposure. The best time to sow seeds is in Spring or Autumn. Cut the stem with a sharp knife immediately below the flowers and then cut again to create a cutting 4 to 5cm long. In the case of the heel cutting, nip out the growing tip. Leave flower heads on for russet colours during winter. Take a dozen and roll them up in a piece of clear plastic tape, round the middle, leaving the tops and the bottoms clear. There are also some lovely foliage colours. Heathers produced from seed, even from foliage cultivars, will vary considerably, from ones indistinguishable from moorland plants to perhaps a new find unlike any available commercially. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting by rubbing finger and thumb down the stem. The best time to sow and treat seed is in the late Summer and early Autumn when day/night temperature fluctuations are at their maximum. Place the clay pot inside the plastic pot and lightly firm more compost in the ring between the two pots. Interestingly, Erica x williamsii behaves in a similar manner to Erica tetralix despite the leaf attachment being closer to Erica vagans. The winter/spring flowering heathers will tolerate some shade’ but won’t flower as well. Once a cutting has been severed from the parent plant, it will continue to loose moisture via the leaves until such time as it produces roots. All cuttings, except hardwood cuttings, are very prone to drying out and should be taken in the early morning so they are fully turgid (or water the parent plant well a few hours before taking the cutting), stored in a plastic bag (ideally a co-extruded bag which is black on the inside and white on the outside) and used as quickly as possible. To keep Cuphea looking attractive and full of blooms, cut it back severely in the fall or early spring. Many large heather producers use this approach on a commercial scale, placing plug trays on heated beds with shallow sides. Clear the site of all weeds, particular care being given to perennial weeds such as bindweed and ground elder. Nine to ten months later a root system will have formed at the bend in the stem where it was pegged, and the new plantlet can then be severed from its parent and planted in its final growing position. However, the plant usually flowers on these long spikes and, therefore, a choice has to be made between flowers and the shape of the plant in the early years. Owdboggy . But, even if they don’t, by following a couple of simple guide lines, you can ensure that you buy plants suitable for your own soil conditions. yard) making allowances for other small leaved shrubs planted with the heathers. Propagating Heather Plants and Growing them from Seed. Strip leaves from the lower third of the cutting. Care has to be taken to wean the cuttings from the humid atmosphere once rooted. This applies even for the propagation of heathers which would normally grow in any soil, as an acid medium will improve the rooting yield. Peat-based composts have been optimized over a number of years and a complex science has developed describing how nutrient and water holding capacity are determined in such media. In this case, select stems where the leafy growth is at least 1cm long. Then use a sharp knife to trim the cutting to 2in (5cm) long. The flowers are long upright racemes, in shades of cerise, pink, cream and white and there are also some beautiful golden foliaged cultivars. The degree of alkalinity or acidity of your soil is measured on a scale of 0 to 14 known as the pH scale. Daboecia cantabrica and Daboecia x scotica cuttings are best taken in July. Needs an acid soil. Those not rooting will come out easily and can be replaced just as easily. Fill a 4in (10cm) pot with a mixture of equal parts grit and moist coir or peat-based compost (heathers require an acid growing medium and peat is still the best option for providing this), Eight cuttings should fit into a pot this size. Unless you know your soil is acid it is best not to be tempted to buy un-labelled plants. heather cuttings How to Propagate New Plants from Cuttings. For those whose pH is greater than 6.5, the best advice is to restrict your choice to Erica carnea, Erica x darleyensis, Erica erigena, Erica manipuliflora, Erica vagans and any of the tree heaths with the exception of Erica arborea. There is no need to add fertiliser at this stage, in fact, the yield is likely to be higher if none is added. Plant heathers so that the foliage is resting on the ground and no part of the root ball is showing above ground. 5. Moisten the soil with a spray bottle and place it in a warm spot away from direct sunlight. Some species of heather require acid soil conditions to thrive, whereas others will grow in most soils. Take a wooden or plastic seed tray 75-100mm (3-4 inches) deep, and place a 5mm (0.25in) layer of fine gravel in the bottom, and then a layer of washed potting grit 5-10mm (0.25-0.5in) deep. Cutting or Burning ? They are invariably grown in pots. 1. The Heather Society (charity registered in England and Wales no. Any cuttings that die should be removed to minimise disease. 3. Pot them up, or if your growing season is long, put them in a nursery bed for a season. Disinfecting the cutting tool with alcohol after each cut will lessen the possibility of spreading disease form one plant to another. Mist-spray the surface of the compost, by hand, at least twice a day in warm sunny weather (less frequently in cool, cloudy conditions and the dull winter months), and continue even after seeds have germinated; misting helps to keep the soil surface moist and cools the seedlings. Fill a 4-inch terra cotta pot halfway with sand. It is safer to assume that Cape heaths must not receive a frost, although certain species are known to survive about 5 degrees Celsius of frost. Nature has already provided a number of embryo shoots, more in fact than you can create by pinching out the tip. Always remember that when collecting seeds they should be put in a dry container or envelope and labelled. The above recommendations apply to the UK, or any country whose average winter temperatures do not fall below about -12o C. If average temperatures are below this, then many species will still thrive, and you can obtain specific recommendations in relation to your particular climate from The Heather Society. There is no need to use rooting hormones for hardy heathers. It is now possible to obtain a primer solution containing a combination of natural substances which have been found to overcome dormancy and stimulate seed germination. Prune no later than May. Make sure that the cuttings have been firmed in well. Keep the soil moist and be patient, as heather seeds can take up to six months to germinate. Cuttings root best when they have two or more leaf nodes, or buds. Hydrangeas cuttings are generally easy to take but are slow to root, so it can be a problem getting them to survive over-winter unless they have rooted really well. 5. Trim each June. Do not allow seed compost to dry out at any time, and do not keep the tray sitting in deep water. Trim off all flower heads. If your soil is light, sandy and acid, then you are very fortunate. Through the Gift Aid scheme, we can reclaim the tax on your donation or membership subscription. Rooting heather cuttings is the easiest way to produce a moderate amount of plants that will be exact clones of the parent plant. 1. Compost can be mixed in with the soil when planting, but never plant into pure compost. If you have an existing plant that you like, you can grow a new plant from one of its branches. The dyes are undoubtedly harmful to the plants by inhibiting photosynthesis and transpiration. However the garish colours are not appropriate for most garden situations. Peg it down firmly with a wire hook about 15cm (6 in) long, making sure that the tip of the branch is turned upwards. Keep the cuttings covered with a propagator lid or plastic and keep in a … How do I take cuttings from 'Broom ' 28 May, 2010; Answers. It is also wise to make sure that the stock plant has been in a stable growth routine and has not dried out in the preceding two weeks. Make sure you water your stock plant the day before you take cuttings and it is best to take your cuttings during the first hours of light. Keep well watered until they are established. Better still, join the Heather Society and get the booklet free, plus access to plenty of friendly, helpful, advice from other heather lovers. This method relies on keeping cuttings humid to minimise transpiration and is suitable for rooting most of the widely grown hardy species of heather. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting by pulling downwards. They root easily and quickly bulk up so you can pot them on by autumn. Calluna, Daboecia, Erica ciliaris, E. cinerea, E. vagans : The general rule is to cut the stems down to the base of the flower stalks once they have finished flowering. Erica x darleyensis: As these are such exuberant heathers it is advisable to trim them annually, if only to stop them smothering their less vigorous neighbours. Autumn (September and October in northern hemisphere) is preferred. For a full, descriptive list of cultivars of Callunas, Daboecias and Ericas go to the heading ‘Heathers’, situated on the green bar at the top of the page. Will tolerate acid, neutral or alkaline soils. On heavy clay soils, break up any panned subsoils and incorporate copious amounts of well soaked sphagnum moss peat or any other fibrous soil conditioner. If the nursery bed approach is adopted, prepare the ground well, removing all weeds and adding sufficient grit, acid sand and sphagnum moss peat to create a fine tilth. Needs an acid soil, Erica cinerea (Bell heather): Flowers from early summer to early autumn. Make a hole in the centre of the pot and plant the cuttings deeply, burying any bare stems so that the lower foliage rests on the soil surface. Use no more than one conifer per five (four) square metres (square yards) and use those attaining a height of one to three metres (yards) in ten years. If you do not know your soil pH, purchase a soil testing kit. Use a stainless steel household fork and/or skewer, or proprietary small gardening tool to remove seedlings from tray, taking great care to avoid damaging the roots which are normally much longer than the stem and will probably have reached the base of the seed tray. Therefore, before you can decide which heathers to grow you do need to know the alkalinity of your soil. Remove a strong, healthy, non-flowering shoot with clean secateurs, cutting straight across the stem about 4in (10cm) below the tip. Good luck with your cuttings – if you are successful why not leave a comment and tell us how it went. 1. Why do cuttings root easier at certain times of the year? Our Amatuer Gardening expert shows you how to go about it in six easy steps. The best time to collect seed is a few weeks after flowering. Propagating Heather. The trays are placed in a polythene tent and smoke is pumped into the tent by means of a plastic pipe from a large metal drum. Provide protection once again when severe frosts are likely. The main danger with this approach is the risk of fungal attack. It seems to be a too commonly held belief that, if your soil isn’t acid, you can’t grow heathers. A very attractive heather, with flowers in long colourful racemes ( not as widely available as the others).. Heights range from 30cm, down to around 15cm. At this time of year use the top 5cm of growth but do not pinch out the growing tip. You can take cuttings from violas any time after July. For pictures, click on the ‘picture bar’ on the Home Page. An acid gritty sand can be used instead of perlite where available but it must be acid. Calluna vulgaris cuttings can be taken in April using the leafy growth appearing above last year’s flowers. Everyone can grow Heathers booklet available. Leave for 20 minutes and seal the plastic pot in a polythene bag (one with no holes in it), ensuring that the polythene is kept clear of the cuttings. Heights range from around 60cm, down to cultivars that hug the ground - with all shapes and sizes in between. Rooting heather cuttings is the easiest way to produce a moderate amount of plants that will be exact clones of the parent plant. Information about the dyes used is difficult to obtain, apart from the general assertion that they are "food dyes". Needs an acid soil, but will tolerate some lime if the soil is well drained. Take a chance, it might come back. If horticultural perlite is being used add water to the perlite as instructed by the manufacturer, otherwise for easy mixing and subsequent handling, there is no need to add extra water at this stage. Not true – Everyone can grow heathers! 2. Use a clean pair of secateurs or a sharp knife to cut a few healthy stems to a length of about 10cm. Cut the stem with a sharp knife 2cm below the leafy growth. If you need to hold a seedling, hold it by the leaves at the very tip of the shoot. But, if your soil is neutral or alkaline, just forget about the summer heathers, there are plenty of other plants you can grow in the summer. Summer is the season for taking stem-tip cuttings of heathers. The best time of year to take cuttings is when plants are growing rapidly, daytime temps are still between 55 and 70 … Erica ciliaris, Erica mackayana and Erica tetralix cuttings are best taken during July and August using non-flowering heel cuttings about 1 to 2cm long, which are usually plentiful. Most Cape heaths form tall shrubs and it is advisable to prune strong leading shoots for the first year to produce a compact plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting as described above. There is no need to use rooting hormones for hardy heathers. In short, "painted" or "dyed" heathers are as artificial as plastic flowers - heather enthusiasts should not be tempted to waste money on them. Why do some species root easier than others? Feed with a liquid tomato fertiliser as directed by the manufacturer. To increase your stock of heathers, they must be propagated vegetatively to remain true to the parent plant. If this approach is taken, a weekly supplementary feed will be required using a proprietary liquid tomato fertilizer. Using a forsythe pot will make propagating cuttings easier. In general, trimming retards the flowering by two to three weeks. However, as some will continue flowering well into November, it is usually best to leave the pruning until early spring to avoid frost damage to the newly cut stems. I find it is best to take them in early summer, around July to ensure they get plenty of time to get a good head start. Cover the branch with the peat/sand mixture and mound up around the now upright tip. Plan to use about ten different heather varieties but reduce this number if necessary to ensure that the minimum number of plants of a particular cultivar is three. Heathers make great path liners, or rockery plants, and will cling on to life in very little compost. Retrieve seeds by pouring the solution on to filter paper so the solution drains into a receptacle. At the Heather Trust, we have revived interest in this debate, as we have been made aware of the work that Richard May, a member of the Board, has been doing in the Peak District. After about ten weeks, more roots can be observed coming through the callus formed over the nodules. Then use a sharp knife to trim the cutti… EUROPEAN HEATHERS – hardy heaths including northern hemisphere species of Erica, Calluna vulgaris (ling) and Daboecia (St Dabeoc’s heath)): for Cape heaths see below. Gradually the dyed foliage should be shed and a fully green plant will gradually develop. This treatment cannot be good for a living plant. Place the pots outside when risk of severe frosts has passed, keeping them WELL IRRIGATED DAILY. By careful planning, a new heather garden can give a colourful display in 3 to 4 years, which will require little maintenance and will last 15 to 25 years. Often heel cuttings of this type are difficult to find, in which case the stems below flowering shoots can be used, provided the spacing between the tufts of leaves does not exceed 2mm. Tear open the base of the root-ball as this will encourage new root growth. For most cultivars, rooted cuttings transplanted in spring should be ready to be planted out in their final positions by the following autumn but some Erica carnea cultivars may need another growing season. 4. In general, cuttings should be taken from healthy, vigorous plants, preferably not more than three years old, but other aspects are more species-dependent. Place some sand into a 100mm (4″) clay pot. These will produce new roots and can be severed from the old plant after about 6 months. 2. Cuphea is relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings. After one to three months seed should have germinated. Select side shoots which are firm and just turning to straw brown about 4 to 5cm long. 5. Hormone rooting powder is not essential, but the later in the season the cuttings are taken, the quicker rooting may take place if it is used. The evergreen shrub tree heather earns its nickname—giant heather—honestly: At maturity it can reach a height of 13 feet. Erica x darleyensis : An attractive and very useful heather, It flowers from late autumn, right through until late spring, in many shades of red, pink, lilac and white. 4. Insert each so lower leaves are just resting on the compost. Heather can be propagated by taking cuttings from healthy plants in summer. Scotch heather, or calluna vulgaris, is a beautiful evergreen shrub that can handle cold temperatures. The important feature to look for when purchasing compost is to ensure that it is suitable for ericaceous plants. Plant deeply with the lower foliage resting on the soil surface. These artificially dyed plants are not indoor plants - they should be grown outdoors either planted in a container (tub, window-box) or into a flower-bed. Rooting depends upon many inter-related factors, some beyond our control, but other aspects are helpful in determining the type of material we should select. "Painted" heathers need the same growing conditions that all Calluna cultivars require: lime-free, moist soil and full sunlight. Erica erigena is a useful plant, not only because it is lime tolerant, but because it fills the gap between the winter/spring flowering heathers and the summer flowering ones. Propagation from seed is often used where heather is needed for restoration work or for such areas as golf courses. Leave for several months, checking occasionally that the polythene bag is fogged. These questions and many others like them arise irrespective of what form of propagation is used. Each February or March, trim off dead flowers particularly long flowering spikes. Dip the ends first in clean water, and then in the powder. Do not be afraid of limiting growth. This will encourage the development of healthy new flowering stems. Sand, pea grit, or perlite can also be added to improve soil texture but avoid the use of sedge peat and spent mushroom compost unless you are planning to plant lime tolerant species. into old wood as most heathers will not sprout new foliage from old wood. The cuttings are routinely sprayed with a non-systemic imidazole fungicide. Needs an acid soil, Erica tetralix (Cross-leaved heath): Flowers from early summer until autumn. You should take cuttings of violas from close to the root, just under a node. Many gardeners have trouble rooting heathers from cuttings but if a number of simple rules are followed, a high success rate can be achieved. These are not the only species/hybrids you may come across at garden centres and nurseries, but are certainly the most common ones. Remove any dead flowers by rubbing your finger and thumb down the stem. Each February or March, trim off dead flowers and seed pods, to make bushy growth. A heather garden should be planted in a position where it will be unshaded for all or most of the day and, if possible, facing south. Knock the plant out of its present pot, if the roots are brown (rather than white) then it needs potting on in a lime-free compost. Choose non-flowered shoots of this year’s growth and ensure that they’re free from pests and disease. Roots appear two to three weeks later. If you are thinking of taking stem-tip heather cuttings then look no further than our simple guide. Plants will grow through to their natural colour in time. October 20, 2015 October 21, 2016 Kristin Crouch. The rooted cuttings can either be potted on or planted out in a nursery bed. Take and prepare heel cuttings 3 to 5cm long as described for Erica ciliaris. This list includes rarer cultivars that are more difficult to obtain. So keep pots or planters on a bed of pebbles which are kept wet at all times. At first the seedlings have two green leaf-like cotyledons; then the true leaves appear. Avoid using pH probes which require no battery, also widely available in Garden Centres, as these do not produce sufficiently accurate results. Select stems which are firm and just turning straw brown. Erica x watsonii: A dainty plant, which flowers from June or July into October or November, depending on variety. Golden foliaged varieties will need to be planted full sun in order to keep their bright colours. This website is dedicated to the memory of Bob Rope who loved his heathers. The cuttings can then remain in the pot until spring, when they can be planted out, with no need for potting on. 4. Place the cuttings in the prepared holes but do not firm them in. Eric carnea: Pruning is rarely necessary, unless you need to trim the plants in order to keep them under control in a confined space. Needs an acid soil. Think of it as a small tree in a shrub’s body. In Amateur Gardening 14 November 2020, we look at pure wild roses, spring bulb containers you have to try, and best plants for winter fragrance. After flowering, trim half of previous year’s growth for the first four years to encourage bushy growth; trim off broken branches. It is the least hardy of the hardy heathers, but even if it knocked back in an exceptionally hard winter it will usually recover from the base. Polythene sheet is stretched across the bed and is turned every 3 or 4 days to minimise fungal attack. A development of this technique is to dig the plant up, make the hole considerably deeper and re-plant so that only the growing tips show above the soil. Normally, you would not cut into the woody part of a heather because it might not come back. On sunny days, an added bonus is the sight (and sound) of all the bees foraging among the flowers, grateful for nectar at a time when food is short. Propagate by layering in autumn (allowing 12 months to root fully) or by taking short side-shoot cuttings in mid to late summer and root them in well drained soil in a cold frame. The two basic ways of rooting heather cuttings attempt to keep this transpiration loss to a minimum. Woody plants that you can root include bougainvillea, fuchsia, gardenia, heather, honeysuckle, ivy, pyracantha, star jasmine, and willow. Rapid growth will be made, so, to ensure a shapely plant, prune all Erica carnea back to 3cm to 5 cm at least once during the growing on period. May 14, 2013 - Summer is the season for taking stem-tip cuttings of heathers. The earlier this is done after purchase, the greater the chance of survival.? Rejuvenate a really neglected old plant by taking it all the way back. The regrowth is more nutritious when burnt rather than cut but estates need not worry if they find burning is too difficult due to climate, lack of manpower or close proximity to forestry. The best places are usually a kitchen, bathroom, conservatory or even a sheltered porch. Each February or March, prune long flowering spikes back to plant. These species root in a similar way to Erica carnea. Lightly firm compost into the tray and dib holes 2cm apart. 4. What composts can I use for growing heathers? If space permits, using several beds peaked for different seasons overcomes any doubts about this approach. 261407), RHS AGM Trial of the Top Winter Flowering Ericas – Award of Garden Merit (AGM) Trial 2015. Some varieties have golden foliage and some are highly scented. 3. An easier option, which gives a good result, is to go over them with shears or a hedge trimmer at the recommended time. Needs an acid soil. A dressing of general fertiliser such as John Innes base at 55 grams per square metre will help to produce strong healthy plants. Hybrids of European heathers (for example Erica x darleyensis) are normally sterile and therefore do not produce seed. The colouring also appears not to fade in sunlight. Add 50ml of water and wash the primer from the paper. Do not be afraid of limiting growth. Cuttings should be placed in good light but not direct, scorching sunlight. Erica x darleyensis, Erica erigena and Erica vagans cuttings are best taken in August, making particularly sure in the case of Erica erigena that the stem is semi-ripe, i.e. Keep wet with solution for at least 24 hours. NEVER PLACE THE POT IN A GREENHOUSE as the temperature variation is too great, nor in a propagator unless you are prepared to spray the cuttings five or six times a day. Heights range from 45cm to around 20cm. Water seed trays carefully with primer solution using a fine hand spray. The flowers range from red, through pink and lilac to white and there are many with superb coloured foliage as well. There are many adaptations of this method, depending on whether small or large quantities of rooted cuttings are being produced. Photo: Jason Ingram 2. Heathers have been sprayed for decorative purposes. The plants grow well in sun or part shade and fast-draining, acidic soil. If slightly larger numbers required, the twin pot approach can be replaced by a plastic seed tray. Pull down carefully to tear the cutting from the main stem so as to leave a small ‘heel’ at the base of the cutting. Water heavily and place the pots outside in a well drained, not too exposed area. Discard stems where the leaf nodes are more than 2mm apart as these will be more difficult to root and make a less shapely plant. If you’re new to plant propagation, taking lavender cuttings in summer is a good way to start as they root easily and will provide you with lots of new plants for free.. Step 2 – Trim cuttings to size. firm and turning to straw brown. Our Amatuer Gardening expert shows you how to go about it in six easy steps. The bed should be informal in shape and preferably, contain no straight lines. Summer cuttings can be taken from a number of plants including rosemary, lavender and other shrubby perennials. Make sure to buy ericaceous compost when planting acid-loving plants. 2. It is happy in acid, alkaline or neutral soil as long as it isn’t too heavy or waterlogged.