Content
- Cut the winter heather properly
- The pruning promotes a compact growth
- Be sure to pay attention to the right time
- Prevent the formation of bald spots with a targeted cut
- Tips
In order for the winter heather to bloom in autumn / winter, a pruning must be done in the spring
Cut the winter heather properly
In a suitable location, the winter or snow heath (Erica carnea) is not one of the most nurturing plants in the garden. Nevertheless, you should take some time after the flowering period for a pruning, if you want to have constant enjoyment of your plants.
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Without regular pruning the snow heath reaches a maximum stature height of about 30 cm. However, the perennial plants get over the years a rather gnarled appearance and can be verkahlen from below. Often, however, the specimens of winter heather planted in groups are said to form as regular a carpet as possible with delicate flowers. For a pruning of the plants in at least two-yearly cycle (better but annually) is essential. In addition, compact grown plants can also take less damage from a heavy snowpack.
Be sure to pay attention to the right time
When pruning the winter heather you should always pay attention to the right time and do not confuse the plants with the similar-acting varieties of broom heath. So that the snow heath in your garden can bloom abundantly in the following year, many flower buds have to be formed already in autumn. However, this is only the case if a relatively vigorous pruning takes place directly after flowering in spring and thus stimulates the growth of young plant shoots. Of course, this does not apply if the winter heather has been planted in the same spring and still has to root properly in the ground.
Prevent the formation of bald spots with a targeted cut
The winter heather is one of the semi-shrubs that can tilt without rejuvenating pruning to a balding out of the plant center. That's why it's important that regular shoots give young shoots the chance to get enough light and healthy growth. Even sparing fertilizer applications can not work alone against the risk of Verkahlens if no care cut the snow heath. The following things should be noted when pruning:
Tips
The winter heather can be propagated by division or by cuttings.If you are planning to propagate through cuttings, the spring cut should be a bit more subtle that year. Then in midsummer you can cut about 3 to 5 cm long and semi-woody cuttings, which can be rooted in evenly moist substrate.