Heather is a fast-growing perennial shrub that offers color and visual interest throughout most of the year. This evergreen is easy to care for but is particular about water. Heather naturally grows in moors or damp areas but does not like to be in soggy soil. Heather can handle more dry conditions but may require supplemental water more often. Learning to determine when Heather needs water and spot the signs of a dry plant make it easy to provide the best care for this beauty.
How To Tell If Heather Needs Watered
The easiest way to determine when to water Heather is to feel the soil. New plants need water when the top couple inches of soil are dry. Established plants can dry out more, but feeling the soil or looking at the soil to gauge the dryness is a good way to determine when to water. The leaves of the plant may turn yellow and brown before falling away when the plant is too dry. An extended dry period will often kill new heather plants.
How Often To Water Heather
Usually Heathers need water one to two times per week. Aim to give the plants about one inch of water per week. Plants need water more often during a drought. New plants need water as soon as the soil dries out, but they do not like to be overwatered.
Established plants can dry out some and need water weekly. Plants grown in warmer areas, especially if they receive lots of sunlight, may need water more often. You can overwater Heather. This is a shrub that likes a deep drink, but too much water may cause root rot, or the foliage may turn brown and die.
Potted Heather shrubs need water when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. Typically, expect to water container-grown plants a couple of times per week. Increase the watering frequency during a dry period or if the plants receive full sun.
Best Time To Water Heather
Any time a plant shows signs of being too dry is a good time to water it. It is best to water a plant before it shows signs of dehydration, so make it a habit to check on the Heather bush and water before it becomes too dry. Morning is a good time to water the plant so it can soak up moisture before the afternoon sun bears down.
How to Water Heather
Step 1 - Check the soil
Water when the top couple of inches of soil are dry to the touch. Wait to water if the soil feels damp.
Step 2 - Water the plant
Drench the ground to ensure the roots are evenly wet.
Step 3 - Water the root zone
Water the ground, not the plant, to prevent mold or mildew from developing.
Heather Watering Tips
- Newly planted Heather needs regular water but does not like to be soggy.
- Water when the top couple of inches of soil feel dry.
- Thoroughly saturate the soil when watering to ensure the soil is evenly moist.
- Potted Heather needs water daily or every couple of days, depending on the weather.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 08-15-2022 |