Snow heather (Erica carnea) occurs in the wild in subalpine and alpine locations up to an altitude of around 2,700 m above sea level. As a winter or early spring bloomer, the snow heather or winter heather can bring some color variety to the otherwise rather monotonous winter color tone of the garden.

The snow heather flowers even in the snow

Do not confuse snow heather with heather

It is no coincidence that the snow heather is all too often confused with the so-called heather. This plant, also known as common heather, tends to grow on acidic, boggy soil in mild heath landscapes, while Alpine snow heather feels particularly at home on calcareous soil. The heather usually shows large differences in frost resistance between different cultivars and definitely needs winter protection in cool locations. In contrast, the snow heath (which can be clearly identified by its leaves) freezes very rarely if the temperature conditions are really exceptionally cold or if mistakes have been made in the care.

A wintry ornament for the balcony box

Since most balcony flowers are only annuals or at least cannot be overwintered outdoors, balcony boxes (€109.00) are often completely removed in winter or at least overwintered "empty". But that doesn't have to be the case, since the snow heather is also well suited for planting in the balcony box. However, one problem can be that the optimal time for planting snow heather is actually spring. However, this can be solved with a second set of balcony boxes. The planters with the perennial snow heath are then simply placed in the sunniest possible place in the garden in summer and watered sufficiently. Finally, in autumn, the "appearance" on the balcony takes place, which can last until April or May, depending on the weather.

Precautions in the care of the snow heather

During the winter months, the following factors affect the Schneeheide:

  • sunlight
  • wind
  • temperature/frost

Snow heather plants are much more exposed to these environmental factors in a window box than in the open ground. Therefore, the otherwise frost-hardy snow heather in the balcony box should also be given a certain amount of winter protection if very severe frosts are to be expected. Since wind and sun can dry out the plant substrate dangerously, the areas between the plants should be covered with some leaves or brushwood and care should be taken to ensure sufficient watering on frost-free days.

tips

Supposed frost damage is not always due to temperature-related death of the plants. To ensure that the plants do not bare from the inside after a few years, they should be pruned back as regularly as possible.

Category:

Vegetable garden