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'Mary Helen Winter Heather' is a delightful evergreen shrub renowned for its clusters of delicate pink flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. This charming heather is perfect for adding a splash of color to garden borders, rock gardens, and containers, enhancing the beauty of any landscape.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 12-18 inches and spreads about 18-24 inches wide.
- Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun to part shade, thriving in 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water Requirements: Requires moderate watering; keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
- Bloom Time: Produces lovely pink flowers from late winter through early spring, attracting beneficial pollinators like bees.
- Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.
How to Plant:
- Location: Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained, acidic soil.
- Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and acidity, particularly in alkaline soils.
- Planting: Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart for a natural look or closer for a denser effect.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Fun Fact: Erica x darleyensis 'Mary Helen Winter Heather' is appreciated for its ability to brighten gardens during the cooler months when most plants are still dormant. This hardy shrub not only provides stunning blooms but also serves as an important food source for early-season pollinators.