The grape heather not only impresses with its unique flowers, it is the colored leaves that make it something special. You can find out here which planting tips you need to consider.
The grape heather (Leucothoe w alteri) is one of the heather plants. The botanical name is Leucothoe. Grape heather is quite wrongly overshadowed by common heather or bell heather, which should not be missing in any flower box during the winter months. Grape heathers delight us with white flowers and are particularly popular as ground cover. When the garden appears grey-on-grey, the grape heather can show off all its facets and impresses with an attractive foliage color that provides a pretty dash of color throughout the winter. If you too would like to experience a firework of colors in the garden bed or flower box, you can find out everything you need to know about the successful cultivation of grape heather here.
Plant Description
Grape heathers are shrubs that come in deciduous and evergreen varieties. The shrubs are erect and have alternate leaves. The white to pink flowers in panicles appear in spring. This forms about three millimeters long, flattened fruit capsules.
Origin
The original homeland of grape heather is in the mountainous forests of North America. The plant is also found in East Asia. The heather plants are significantly larger than the well-known common heather. The plants grow about half a meter high. The bell-shaped flowers appear in late spring. The term leucothoe is borrowed from Greek mythology. God Apollo fell in love with Princess Leucothoe. His father buried the mortal princess alive. Rescued by Apollo, Leucothoe was transformed into a plant which, inflamed with love for Apollo, still blushes to this day. In their Asian homeland, grape heathers are also known as "campfire plants" because of the color of their leaves.
Notes for quick readers:
Grape heather is particularly valued as a ground cover. The plants not only appear attractive, they also ensure that there are no weeds in the beds or on the gravescan claim. The colorful foliage is an eye-catcher all year round. Grape heather also thrives in rather dark and shady corners. As a shallow root, the plant spreads quickly and loose, large clumps develop.
» Tip: The conspicuous leaf colors are lost in older plants. Then the leaves usually appear dark green with green-yellow marbling.
Optimum planting conditions for grape heather
Location:
The plant comes from the forests of North America. The ericaceous plants prefer acidic soil and a bright location.
» Tip: Grape heather also thrives in the shade, but the more light it is given, the more intense the color of the leaves appears. The plants don't like to stand in the blazing sun. The grape heather does not do so well in the midday sun in particular. However, the plants do not object to a few hours of morning or evening sun.
The grape heath must be protected from strong winds. A sheltered location is important when keeping them outdoors. The plant needs to be protected, especially in winter, because grape heather is only moderately hardy.
Preferred Grape Heath Locations:
- Ground cover in beds
- Underplanting under trees and shrubs
- Pond's edge
- Grave Planting
- bucket posture
» Tip: The site conditions of the grape heather match the requirements of rhododendrons. Both plants can therefore be cultivated together.
Location requirements in brief:
- light
- no blazing midday sun
- protected
Substrate:
Choose loose and well-drained soil when keeping them outdoors. The substrate should be fresh and not too dry. If you are able to determine the pH of the soil, the ideal value is 4.5 to 5.5. The plants do not tolerate lime.
Rhododendron earth has proven itself for cultivation in pots.
The soil should first be loosened well. The acidity of the soil can be increased by adding manure, peat or compost. Heavy loamy soils are not suitable for grape heath and are also difficult to upgrade. The only solution here seems to be a long-term upgrading of the soil with the help of sulphur.
Short substrate conditions:
- loose
- fresh
- permeable
- sour
- lime-free
- humos
Planting grape heather - step by stepStep explained
You can cultivate grape heather outdoors as well as in tubs. Spring is the best time to plant.
❶ Select location
❷ Prepare plant
❸ Dig plant hole
❹ Insert plant
❺ Close plant hole
❻ Press soil❼ Water the plant
❽ Install windbreak
The location is selected according to the needs of the plant. You can get the grape heather used to its new location in advance by placing the plant pot outside before actually planting.
» Tip: Grape heather can be planted in early spring as soon as the ground frost is gone.
When digging the planting hole, it is important to note that grape heather has shallow roots. The width of the planting hole is particularly important. This should be dug out at least twice the width of the root ball. Since the plant does not spread too deeply, the planting hole does not have to be dug that deep. The plant is placed in the excavated planting hole and covered well with soil. Press down the soil and water the grape heather.
» Tip: The plants do not tolerate lime, so rainwater should preferably be used for watering.
The plants do not tolerate strong winds and should therefore be protected from the wind, especially in winter.
Planting in the tub
The grape heather is also very decorative as a container plant. Especially in combination with petunias or geraniums, it creates an atmospheric picture in the flower box. With appropriate care, grape heathers can be overwintered and you can enjoy your balcony decoration for several years. When choosing the planter, make sure there are enough drainage holes for liquid so that there is no waterlogging. Rhododendron earth is best suited for planting, as both plants have similar requirements. To prevent waterlogging, you can put a drainage layer of potsherds or gravel in the bottom of the container.
» Tip: If the grape heather is in a bucket, it must be overwintered indoors. In the bucket, the plants would freeze to death without protection.