Japanese Maple
Japanese maples, also known as Acers, are attractive trees with stunningly vibrant autumn and spring foliage. Some varieties have brightly coloured bark & stems.
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Erica, also known as Heath plants, have pretty bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, lavender & white. Some varieties are shrubs while others are tall trees. If frosts are prevalent in your area, be sure to choose a European species. Besides using these trees as an ornamental, they are also cultivated for firewood and as a source of yellow dye.
How to grow Erica in a garden
- Choose a position in full sun or part shade with very well drained soil.
- Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed and Yates Natures Way Organic Compost & Soil Improver. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
- Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.
- Mulch with an organic mulch like woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.
- Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
- Feed with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.
Growing tips
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Depending on the variety, Erica may prefer a more acidic or alkaline soil pH. To increase the soil pH (making it more alkaline) apply Yates Hydrangea Pinking Liquid Lime & Dolomite. To reduce the soil pH (making it more acidic) apply Yates Soil Acidifier Liquid Sulfur. Check the label to see which soil pH best suits the Erica variety chosen.
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They do not need pruning, though to achieve best flowering and growth habit, they can be pruned annually after flowering. They prefer light pruning to encourage new growth and flowering.
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For prolonged flowering best to prune them hard (for some heaths it will differ) early spring.
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Erica hate wet feet, avoid planting in poorly draining soil as this can lead to root rot and possibly plant death.
Dwarf Pōhutukawa
Dwarf Pōhutukawa (AKA Pacific Rata or Tahitian Pohutukawa) is a fantastic flowering shrub or small tree ideal for use as a feature plant, hedge or screen.
Daphne
Daphne is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and beautifully fragrant flowers in shades of white and pink. Grow in the garden or in pots.
Smoke Bush
Smoke Bush is an ideal shrub to add a splash of foliage colour to gardens. It provides year-round seasonal interest and looks fabulous in both gardens and pots.
Recommended products
Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food
Specially formulated to grow all types of flowers. With high potassium for large & abundant flowers, added calcium & iron for stronger flowers.
Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate
A balanced fish based plant food boosted wtih added NPK to ensure strong, lush plant growth and healthy soil.
Yates Nature's Way Organic Compost & Soil Improver
Transform soil into a healthy nutrient-rich base for your gardens and lawns with Yates Nature’s Way Organic Compost & Soil Improver.
Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed
A certified organic garden input boosted with NZ Seaweed to gently nourish plants, enrich the soil and encourage a strong healthy root system.
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