Troubleshooting
Mrs D.F. Maxwell Cornish heath problems — and how to fix them
Mrs D.F. Maxwell Cornish heath (Erica vagans 'Mrs D.F. Maxwell') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Loss of compact shape without annual trim
This vigorous cultivar becomes untidy and flowers less freely if not trimmed annually. Cut back spent flower stems to living green growth each November after blooming finishes. Do not cut into old wood below the green shoots.
Chlorosis on alkaline soils
Although more lime-tolerant than many heathers, 'Mrs D.F. Maxwell' will develop yellow foliage on soils above pH 7.5. Treat with sequestered iron, water with rainwater, and incorporate ericaceous bark mulch. Persistent alkalinity may require container growing.
Root rot (Phytophthora)
Sudden wilting and death despite adequate watering points to Phytophthora root rot, triggered by poorly drained, waterlogged soil. Improve drainage with grit at planting. Remove affected plants promptly to reduce spread to neighbouring heathers.
Prevent mrs d.f. maxwell cornish heath problems before they start
Most mrs d.f. maxwell cornish heath issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Mrs D.F. Maxwell Cornish heath problems — FAQ
Why is my mrs d.f. maxwell cornish heath loss of compact shape without annual trim?
This vigorous cultivar becomes untidy and flowers less freely if not trimmed annually. Cut back spent flower stems to living green growth each November after blooming finishes. Do not cut into old wood below the green shoots.
Why is my mrs d.f. maxwell cornish heath chlorosis on alkaline soils?
Although more lime-tolerant than many heathers, 'Mrs D.F. Maxwell' will develop yellow foliage on soils above pH 7.5. Treat with sequestered iron, water with rainwater, and incorporate ericaceous bark mulch. Persistent alkalinity may require container growing.
Why is my mrs d.f. maxwell cornish heath root rot (phytophthora)?
Sudden wilting and death despite adequate watering points to Phytophthora root rot, triggered by poorly drained, waterlogged soil. Improve drainage with grit at planting. Remove affected plants promptly to reduce spread to neighbouring heathers.