Mexican heather stayed green all winter but got no new growth and is very leggy with many dead stalks.
This could be a few different issues. Without photos, I will have to take a few guesses.
It could be that it received too much water over the winter. In this case, an infection could take over. A fungicide will be appropriate in this instance.
It could be a soil fertility issue, as well. Has this been fertilized, or at least planted in fertile soil amended with compost? If not, you may need to fertilize.
This article will give you an idea of the general care requirements of the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/false-heather/growing-mexican-heather-plants.htm
What are the triggers for this winter flowering strategy? A plant science question I know, but i'm curious to know -- do they flower because temperature drops to a certain temperature? I tend to think its probably shortening day length or longer nights. But does lower temperatures play a part? thanks Paul
According to our article on heather winter blooming triggers, it is the right variety and proper care, especially full sun and well-drained soil with an acid pH. They bloom at different times depending on your location.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/heather/heather-blooming-in-winter.htm
I am not sending any images
I found a source that said they are rarely damaged by deer.
Thought I had planted 6 small heathers on the family grave but after 3 years this one took over completely and looked like a golden globe. It has "flowered" for months and does it now need taking right back to the hard wood ? Suggestions please.
It looks like Scotch heather. You don't need to prune till spring and it's gorgeous!
http://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=77
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c272
I just attempted to propagate heather, following your procedure from 2018. Do I check it weekly for water status? I understand it takes months to root properly. What are the signs that it is strong and ready for transplantation? Thank you for your help.
There are a couple ways to check whether a cutting has developed roots. One sign is if it's begun to grow or sprout a new leaf. The other is to very gently tug to feel if there's any resistance. Here are a couple articles that may be helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/root-stimulating-hormone.htm
I planted 4 Mediterranean White Heather a couple of weeks ago. I planted them immediately after I brought them home. Within a couple days 3 of them turned completely blown. I have been watering the and applied a root stimulator with the hopes of them coming back. Should I cut them back for a new start? Is there any chance that they will come back ?
Yours is likely the 'Erica' hybrid and is less hardy than some of the others. Heaths and heathers are often grouped together so it helps to know more about them. Since your plants turned brown so quickly, I would check with the seller about replacing them. It may be there was already a problem with the shrubs. Try scraping off some of the branch and see if there is any live, green, wood below. If not, they probably won't come back, but you can try pruning them lightly. Here are care tips that should help:
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2073/2014/03/Planning-A-Heather-Garden.pdf
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/erica-darleyensis
https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JARS/v46n3/v46n3-knight.htm
Name of heathers that love lime soil
These three will tolerate an alkaline soil: E. carnea, E. darleyensis, E. medditerranea, and E. terminalis.
Heathers are primarily acid-loving plants. Here's an article about acidifying your soil:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm
and some info about general care of heather:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/heather/growing-heather.htm