Mediterranean Heather – Care

Q: I’ve been growing three Mediterranean heather bushes since the tornado in 1998. They have outgrown their space so I need to know about moving and caring for them.

A: Two plants are called Mediterranean heather: Erica carnea , which grows in alpine areas, and Erica darleyensis, which has varieties named ‘Mediterranean Pink’ and ‘Mediterranean White’. I’ll bet that these are what you have. Strictly speaking, both species are heaths, not heathers.

Heaths in the South need strong morning sunshine but dappled shade in the afternoon. The soil should have plenty of sand and compost but little clay. A light fertilization each year after they bloom in spring is plenty. You can cut off the flowers when they fade.