I'm in the process of putting in a large new conifer bed and trying to imitate many of those gorgeous northern and European conifer gardens who all use heathers for whispy color and beauty mixed amongst the conifers.

I'm in Oklahoma.....hot humid Oklahoma. Asking those that specialize in the plant I wish I could grow, what would you say is the best or closest appearing replacement to heather for us here in the south?

thx Mark

thanks again...Mark

Sorry about that.

The heat should not be an issue but you are correct in assuming the humidity might be :-) All I can do is suggest you give them a try. I might focus on the Erica species rather than Calluna vulgaris -- there are many more species and hybrids to choose from and many of them are native to very warm (but dry climates) like South Africa. And I'd take some time to assure that I offered the most ideal growing conditions I could manage - very well draining, acidic soil and sufficient spacing to offset the high summer humidity. Planting now in fall may offer the best opportunity for good establishment before they are faced with that challenge next season.

Other plants that can offer a similar groundhugging, flowering appearance that could act as alternatives might be Helianthemum nummularium (sunroses), Armeria maritima (thrift) or Lithodora diffusa. Or any other rock garden type plant......many stonecrops could work as well.

Hey, I was going to ask you too, in the picture above, is that big yellow specimen in the background a Goldilocks?

thx mark

thx mark