The popular concept of heather is of the magnificent purple vistas of the heather moors of England and Scotland. The apparent uniformity of these wild plants is deceiving as most gardeners are overwhelmed when, for the first time, they are presented with the infinite variation of size, form and colour of flower and foliage of garden varieties.
It is possible to have heathers in flower every month of the year in a bewildering range of colours from white through the palest pinks and lilacs to glowing colours of crimson and purple. If that were not all, heathers are evergreen and are available with foliage coloured yellow, orange, red, gold, grey and of course, green. The diversity is further increased by a vast range of growth habits. There are many prostrate forms reaching no higher than a few centimetres whilst at the other extreme, tree heaths can grow to a height of two metres.
For further information, contact the Heather Society (heathers@zetnet.co.uk) or follow the links below:
Choosing heathers for your garden
© The Heather Society, 11 March 2001