Whether from roadside salt or seaside conditions, salt can takes its toll on many species of plants. Heaths and heathers are some of our favorite salt tolerant plants.

Heaths and heathers look beautiful planted in a naturalistic border or in a container. Wherever you plant them, remember that they need good drainage. Heaths and heathers also prefer lean soil; too much fertilizer will produce overly-lush growth which will be weak and spindly and which will not overwinter well. Such growth will often die back and need pruning out in the spring. These plants like good air circulation as well as sun.

As heaths (Erica sp.) flower in winter and heathers (Calluna sp.) in spring and summer, selecting a mixture of the two will extend the bloom season. Foliage color and form vary greatly from variety to variety and can also add a sense of color and texture to the container or bed. Prostrate forms will spread low and other forms can add height to the planting.

Materials:

Variety of heaths and heathers
Compost
Time release fertilizer
Soil-less potting mix
Gravel
Turkey grit
Container such as a window box or a stone trough
Screening or broken crockery to cover drainage holes

Tools:

Soil scoop
Pruners
Watering can

Directions:

1. Place broken crockery or screening over drainage hole in pot to ensure drainage.

2. Mix one part turkey grit or builder's sand with one part compost and two parts soil-less mix. Add a tablespoon or two of time-release fertilizer. Be careful not to over fertilize.

3. Set in plants. In general each plant will need about 12 to 18 inches of space.

4. Once plants are arranged to your liking, top dress soil with grit or gravel to give pot a finished look and to help retain moisture in soil. This will also help protect the crowns of the plant from rot. Water in. Set pot in sunny site.