Plant Ericas In Sunny Spots

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXXI, 14 September 1940, Page 7 (Supplement)

Plant Ericas In Sunny Spots

ERICAS or heaths are mostly natives of South Africa, and should be planted in the warmest and sunniest part of the garden. They are essentially moorland plants and delight in a firm soil, entirely free from shade. Sandy peat is the most desirable soil, but any soil will do, provided it is well worked, moderately rich, and it does not contain lime. Lime in any form is death to ericas. Failure to establish them is often due to the lack of moisture at the roots during the first few months after planting. Before planting be sure that they are moist at the roots; if at all dry thoroughly water by allowing them to soak for a few minutes in water, then let them drain before planting. Pruning consists in cutting back the flowering growths immediately flowering is over. Small compact growers like autumnalis and ventricoea require little or no attention in this direction, but tall growing varieties like intermedia, hybrids, cruenta quickly lose vigour and become unshapely.