i live in Gibsons BC and bought two small heather plants in March, we planted them in April in a planter on the deck and they are very dry to the touch, the soil feels moist but the leaves and flowers feel dry, can you help me! Thanks!
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
Heather has specific soil requirements to grow healthily in a pot. It likes highly acidic soil with pH level around 4.5-6. You can purchase ericaceous potting mix from your local garden center or make your own by adding half (50%) of peat moss, 20% of perlite, and 10% each of garden soil, sand and compost or farm manure. Keeping your heather moist yet allowing for free drainage is key to keeping your heather healthy.
Weather could also be a key factor. Here in Toronto we are experiencing an extremely cold spring with near frost-like evening temperatures. My suggestion would be to contact the UBC Hortline, they are available tp receive questions via email or telephone. Their information can be found here.
A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Heather from the heather society provides a wealth of information.