Whether in bud, at flowering time or in winter - the Japanese lavender heather is attractive in every season. To ensure that she stays that way, she should receive care from time to time. Find out what's important below!
How do you properly care for the Japanese lavender heather?
In order to properly care for the Japanese lavender heather, it should be watered regularly with lime-free water, fertilized every 3-4 weeks and cut after the flowering period. In winter, potted plants should be protected with insulating material.
How should you water the Japanese lavender heather?
The Japanese lavender heather tolerates drought poorly. Therefore, it should be provided with generous amounts of water, especially when it is in a pot, in a sunny location and during flowering. It is best to use lime-free water for watering, as this plant cannot tolerate lime.
Is fertilization absolutely necessary?
If you fertilize the Japanese lavender heather at regular intervals, you will be able to enjoy more lush foliage and a richer floral bloom. Potted plants should be supplied with a liquid fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon) every 3 to 4 weeks. Fertilizing has proven particularly useful during flowering to preserve the flowers for a long time and to strengthen the plant.
Which pest is most common?
The Japanese lavender heather is sometimes attacked by the Andromeda web bug. This lays its eggs on the leaves and sucks the leaves at the same time. Destroy the infected shoots before the larvae hatch!
Does wintering play an important role?
If the Japanese lavender heather is outdoors, you don't need to worry about overwintering it. This plant is well hardy. The thermometer display can safely drop to -20 °C.
But if your Japanese lavender heather is in a pot, you should take safety precautions:
- in October, wrap the pot with insulating material (e.g. fleece, old blanket)
- Place a wooden block or Styrofoam block on the wall of the house
- Place the pot on the block (prevents it from freezing from below)
- water lightly on frost-free days
- remove winter protection between mid and end of February
- check for frozen plant parts
Why and how should this plant be trimmed?
The shadow bell is cut during or shortly after its flowering period. Cut away any wilted flower heads. If the plant is used as a hedge, all shoots can be cut back slightly to ensure dense growth.
Tips & Tricks
You should wear protective gloves and, if necessary, eye protection for all care procedures in which you come into direct contact with the Japanese lavender heather. This is recommended due to the toxicity of this plant.
