| NHBabs’ advice is good. I will only stress the importance of her suggestion to cover the plants with evergreen boughs, but do so after the ground refreezes. During this thaw, check to see whether or not the plants have heaved their roots out of the ground. If they have, tamp them back into place. Now the bad news. Erica darleyensis is not hardy in zone 5. However, Erica carnea, also flowering in late winter–early spring, is. And with winter protection, so might be Erica cinerea, which is blooms in summer–fall. Reliably hardy are most cultivars of heather (Calluna vulgaris), which bloom from late summer into fall. All require the same horticultural conditions. Buy from reliable sources, and never trust the tags from mass-market nurseries or plant sellers like Home Depot or Lowes. A reliable source east of the Rockies is given below. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Heaths and Heathers
