Erica arborea, tree heather

Allow the rootball to dry out to one centimeter between waterings. Water generously with non-calcareous water (rainwater, for example) at room temperature.

Drain off any excess water left in the dish or planter. It can rot the roots.

Soak the root ball of your Tree heather to rehydrate it. Shake the plant to remove excess water.

Get a pierced terracotta pot. You can make a bed of clay balls at the bottom to improve drainage. Mix at least 25% heather soil with ordinary potting compost. Pour on a layer of substrate and plant your Tree heather.

Water generously to remove air bubbles and encourage rooting.

You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Apply a fertilizer for heathland plants every two weeks. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the foliage.

You are not obliged to prune your Erica arborea. You can, however, shorten branches with a clean, sharp tool to maintain a compact, rounded habit. Don't cut into old wood: the plant won't recover.

Also remove any spent flowers.

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Soak the root ball of your Erica arborea plant. This will help the plant adapt better to its new environment.

Dig a planting hole twice as deep and wider than the root ball to prepare the soil. Erica arborea likes acidic, well-draining soil. If this is not the case in your garden, mix 2/3 heather soil with 1/3 ordinary potting soil. You can add sand to improve drainage.

Lay down a layer of substrate and plant your Erica arborea. The root ball should be level with the soil. Fill in the planting hole and water generously.

You can also mulch the base with organic matter to keep the soil fresh.

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Locate a healthy, flowerless stem. It should be semi-woody, but still flexible.

Cut a ten- to fifteen-centimetre section just below a node. Use clean, sharp secateurs to facilitate healing.

Remove the lower leaves and keep only the upper pair.

Pour a mixture of potting soil and sand into a pot whose hole has been plugged with a pebble. Push half the stem of your cutting into the center without watering.

Place the pot in a mini greenhouse; if you don't have one, you can cover the plant with a translucent bag or a cut bottle. Place your graft in a bright spot, without direct sunlight.

Every day, aerate for a few minutes to drain off condensation and mist.