A Heather is a long lived evergreen shrub that stays short and makes an excellent groundcover or foundation planting. They are also excellent as low edges and in the conifer or rock garden.
There are two main groups, Winter Heathers and Summer Heathers. Winter Heathers bloom in the fall and winter and produce masses of white, pink or dark pink, small, bell-shaped flowers. Summer Heathers bloom when the weather warms up in late spring and early summer.
Most Heathers are low maintenance plants and once established need very little care. It is essential to prune summer blooming varieties in fall or early spring. Winter bloomers only require a light shearing in spring, after flowering, but before June.