Does Heather Grow Well In Shade?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Heather

will grow well in full sun or light shade

. Whilst it will grow if planted in the shade the golden or foliage forms will lose their foliage colour and flowering will be reduced. … Avoid under trees or in wet boggy areas.

Does Mexican heather like sun or shade?

Culture: Average, well-drained soil with

full sun to light shade

is fine in most areas. In hot climates, partial shade can help to keep the foliage from fading. Water and fertilize potted plants regularly during the growing season, less during the winter.

Will Mexican heather grow in shade?

For the prettiest foliage, grow Mexican heather

in partial shade

. While the plant can adapt to full sun, this will cause its rich green color to fade. Only minimal pruning should be necessary. Trim lightly in the spring if the plant looks scraggly.

Where is the best place to plant Mexican heather?

Plant Mexican heather in

a sunny or partially sunny spot with well-drained soil

and feed with a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time. Mexican heather likes to be watered whenever the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch.

Does Mexican heather plant spread?

Mexican heather is a tropical shrub reaching a height of about 1′ to 2′ feet. It

typically spreads up to 2.5′ feet

and features evergreen foliage. The plant has many branches and tends to develop a rounded shape.

Is Mexican heather easy to grow?

Mexican heather seeds

are fairly easy to grow

, and the plant is low maintenance and easy to care for provided that you adhere to its specific soil, water and light requirements: When planting your Mexican heather bush, select a location that has direct sunlight for a few hours and partial shade for the rest of the day.

Does Mexican heather come back every year?

Only gardeners in frost-free areas can count on Mexican heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)

to come back year after year

. The plant, native to Mexico and Guatemala, needs the heat of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 to thrive.

What grows well in deep shade?

  • Heuchera (Coral Bells)
  • Lamium Maculatum (Dead Nettle)
  • Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)
  • Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
  • Astilbe.
  • Digitalis (Foxglove)
  • Hakonechloa (Japanese forest grass)
  • Primula (Primrose)

Are heather and lavender the same plant?

English lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavenders (Lavandula stoechas) are two species of the same plant. … Cezary Zarebski Photogrpahy / Getty Images The term heather is frequently used to describe both heather and the plant heath, but, although

they are very similar

, they are not the same plant.

When should I plant heather?

Heathers are best planted

in spring, although some can be planted in autumn

. Winter-flowering heathers are widely available from autumn onwards, to plant as winter bedding in containers and borders.

How far apart do I plant Mexican heather?

Allow

at least 18 inches (46 cm.) between each plant

. This tough, drought-tolerant plant loves direct sunlight and thrives in intense heat. Remember that although Mexican heather plants grow in a wide range of soils, good drainage is critical.

What grows well with Mexican heather?

Classic companion planting with heather often includes

rhododendrons and azaleas

. These plants crave the same acidic soil and consistent moisture on which heathers thrive. You can even fertilize heathers and heath with the rhododendron foods on the market with excellent results.

What temperature can Mexican heather tolerate?

Mexican Heather can handle temperatures

as low as 50 degrees

, so before careful before planting them outside in the spring — they may not handle a cold snap very well.

How do you winterize Mexican heather?


Spread a 3-inch-thick layer of mulch

between the plants to hold warmth and moisture in the soil, and this will help them survive cold temperatures. Use lightweight, breathable mulch such as pine needles or straw instead of heavier wood chips, which will hold too much moisture in the soil.

Does Mexican heather attract bees?

Mexican heather is great, especially for the conditions you mentioned. I give

it a six on a scale of 1-10 for flowers attracting bees

(about the same as roses). 10 being lavender/butterfly bush/bottle brush. Mexican heather is great, especially for the conditions you mentioned.

How do you shape Mexican heather?

Examine the shape of the plant after removing dead or dying sections of the plant.

Give the plant an overall shaping by pruning back alternating branches to the parent (main) stem of the plant

. Plants produce new growth at the point right below the cut, so this should create a bushier, fuller Mexican heather plant.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.