When planting heather, use acidic soil or ericaceous compost and enrich the planting hole with composted pine needles or leaf mould to help replicate its natural conditions. Choose a sunny spot with good drainage and avoid chalky or alkaline soils.

Water well after planting and during dry spells in the first year. In March or April, trim back the flowered shoots to within 2.5cm (1in) of the old growth to maintain a neat shape and encourage bushy new growth. Avoid cutting into older woody stems, as they may not regrow.