Topic: Ling Heather

[Jayb]

I'm really pleased to have this growing, although not rare or anything it has self seeded, I think from the local common. I've been watching it grow for a couple of years, at first wondering what it was until it flowered last year. It's growing in a large tub with a fig tree in it! Can I move the heather or will this spell doom?

[star]

I have never had success with heathers. I would say if it has happily seeded on its own, its happy and I would leave it where it is. 

[goodlife]

It can be moved....BUT... leave it until bit later on, for successful transplanting they like constant moisture around their roots until they have established.  Also...cut the flower heads off down as low as you can so there is still green growth bellow cuts. That way the delicate roots, that will get damaged some amount, won't have to struggle to support as much top growth.
Bit of pampering with some bone meal or BFB with some ericaceous compost or peat mixed in planting hole would do good too.

I've just come back from work and been working amongst heathers all day...head is full of heather info..

[Jayb]

Thanks Star, I've never grown them before it's just this one happened along. I wanted to plant the fig tree into the ground this Autumn. Cheers for the info Goodlife