Planting Heathers

As mentioned elsewhere on this site, 2020 has largely been a dead duck for me in gardening terms. I am thinking of one last-ditch effort, though. The supermarket are selling off heathers, and as they are so suited to this climate and my soil I'm considering buying a few and planting them. Although I know heather can be planted in autumn, I've only ever planted them in spring, so wondered if I should bear anything in mind while doing so. As we head into mid October, is it still a good time of year to plant? The terrain is slopey and rocky, with an acidic soil, but the climate very wet.

 

One advantage of buying plants is, they are usuall in pots and thus can be planted out at any time, taking into concideration a few advisory points.

 

I'd say autumn is probably the best time to plant most hardy plants, heather included.
I think acidic soil means you can have the best of the bunch.

 

Thanks to both responding. I'm thinking of getting them today and due to my schedule will have to plant either this afternoon or tomorrow afternoon. I can't see that being much of a problem, but would anyone recommend I wait until I can plant them on a morning?

 

Why is that Simon?
Morning afternoon, I dont think they will be bothered.

Unless you know something I dont

 

Just what I've long done based on something covered in a horticulture course I did many years ago. The general gist was that its usually best to plant most plants in the late morning or late afternoon so as to give them more time to settle out of the stronger sunlight of morning or noon, but maximise the daylight hours rather than them being plunged into the cold night too soon. I prefer mornings as the soil is going to be warmer for longer. However, I think the above is a detail really, and I doubt most people really worry too much about the time of day for planting.

 

Yes. Autumn is generally considered the time to plant hardy perennials. Reason being, many are entering into their dormancy state. This is when the sap decends and the nourishment to call it such returns to the roots. The one time planting of anything is held back is, during winter and when/if the ground is frozen.

Potted or container grown plants, have endured some time in a soil enviroment to which they have become accustomed to. To plat with the growing medium intact causes very little if any damage or shock to the roots. When planting, it is good to have a hole slightly large than the rootball, gently tease some of the roots loose and add soil/compost to fill in. The roots will soon find their way into this new medium.

 

Thanks Mike.