Why Do Heather Shrubs Die?

Heather grows best in acidic, well-drained soil.

Heather (Calluna vulgaris) is a woody perennial, native to Scotland and England. Grow heather in a sunny, well-drained and temperate location. Heather performs poorly in humid or hot climates.

Drainage

Wet, poorly drained soil is the main reason heather shrubs die. Damp conditions cause powdery mildew and root rot. When mixed with the soil at planting time, peat moss improves drainage.

Soil pH

Heather needs acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. If the soil is too basic, heather can become iron deficient and die from chlorosis. Test your soil with a pH kit. Add acid fertilizer (6-4-4) and peat moss mulch to increase acidity if the soil is too alkaline.

Temperature

Grow heather in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 6. Because heather retains its leaves, it can lose moisture during dry winters. Protect heather plants from harsh winter winds in the colder reaches of its hardiness range.

References

• University of California: Disease Control Outlines For Heather
• University of Connecticut: Calluna Vulgaris
• National Gardening Association: Hardiness Zones