Erica carnea 'Challenger'

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser for ericaceous plants

Spread a slow release fertiliser for ericaceous plants around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread before applying any mulch, so that it can feed the roots. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Winter-Spring · Planting

Prune young growth after flowering

When the plant has finished flowering, remove the flower and most of the young growth that the plant has made. Leave just around 2 centimetres of young growth on the plant. Don't cut into old wood unless it is diseased or damaged.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.