Troubleshooting
Bell Heather C.D. Eason problems — and how to fix them
Bell Heather C.D. Eason (Erica cinerea 'C.D. Eason') is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Phytophthora root rot
Favoured by wet or poorly drained soils; plants wilt suddenly, foliage discolours to grey then brown, and roots are black and rotted. Ensure sharp drainage; remove and dispose of infected material — do not compost.
Heather die-back (woody centre)
Neglected plants develop a bare, woody centre as the old growth dies out. Prevent by clipping back spent flowering stems annually in autumn; do not cut back into old, leafless brown wood as the plant cannot regenerate from it.
Prevent bell heather c.d. eason problems before they start
Most bell heather c.d. eason issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bell Heather C.D. Eason problems — FAQ
Why is my bell heather c.d. eason phytophthora root rot?
Favoured by wet or poorly drained soils; plants wilt suddenly, foliage discolours to grey then brown, and roots are black and rotted. Ensure sharp drainage; remove and dispose of infected material — do not compost.
Why is my bell heather c.d. eason heather die-back (woody centre)?
Neglected plants develop a bare, woody centre as the old growth dies out. Prevent by clipping back spent flowering stems annually in autumn; do not cut back into old, leafless brown wood as the plant cannot regenerate from it.