Kerstin Heather

Kerstin Heather Care

Calluna Vulgaris 'kerstin'

What is the plant

Kerstin' is a compact, evergreen shrub bearing narrow, downy, grey-green leaves with yellow and red tips in spring, turning lilac-grey in winter, and short racemes of mauve flowers from summer into autumn.

It can be invasive in New Zealand.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

4 - 6

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water fortnightly for the first 3 months to keep the ground moist but not sodden. Drought tolerance is normally established within 2-3 years from planting, after which time your heather plants will take care of themselves. Until this time, water as required to keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy.
Pruning
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback.
Fertilizer
Heathers in open ground do not need feeding if conditions are acidic. If soil becomes too alkaline, yellowing of the foliage may occur. In this case, feed with an ericaceous fertiliser in late March or early April. Newly planted specimens in containers will have enough feed from the compost for a couple of months.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Provide bright light.
Soil
Perform well in most types of soil.
Temperature
These plants are known for being fairly hardy when it comes to experiencing drought or cold temperatures.